By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 17: The Kuching Metro Electric Bus Service Route 103 will commence at the Kuching Open-Air Market and end at the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre starting February 1, 2025, replacing its previous starting point at the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, announced that the adjustment aims to enhance user convenience and boost local businesses.
“We selected the Open-Air Market as the new starting point because it is more accessible for commuters.
“It removes the need for them to cross the Darul Hana Bridge to reach the DUN, while also providing economic benefits to surrounding businesses,” he said during a press conference at Baitul Makmur II today.
The realigned route shortens travel time from two hours to 1.5 hours and increases daily trips from 12 to 16, offering greater convenience to users.
The revised schedule includes eight trips daily, beginning at 6am and running until 4.30pm, with reduced waiting times between trips.
Launched in 2021, the Kuching Metro Electric Bus Service operates four electric buses providing free rides to locals and tourists. The service connects major attractions such as the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and Borneo Cultures Museum.
The relocation of the starting point to the Open-Air Market aligns with ongoing construction at the Hikmah Exchange Station, set to become the city center’s primary Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hub. This integration is designed to improve connectivity between the ART system and the electric bus service.
Additionally, the Kuching Metro service is now available on Google Maps, enabling commuters to plan their routes seamlessly.
Abdul Karim emphasised the importance of installing proper signage and designated bus stops to enhance accessibility and minimise traffic disruptions. He also called for more effective promotion of the service to raise public awareness.
While the current fleet consists of four electric buses, Abdul Karim stated that the ministry is open to increasing the number of buses if demand grows.
“Our focus is to ensure the buses are utilised effectively, and if the need arises, we will expand the fleet accordingly,” he said.
Also present during the press conference were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Snowdan Lawan, and the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini. – DayakDaily
