MIRI, Nov 3: The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) is looking into getting new buses for the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Programme after seeing passengers fill a 45-seater bus at a full-house capacity.
MOTS Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin himself boarded the 4.50pm Miri Belait Transport Company Sdn Bhd bus to Permyjaya to experience and get feedback from the passengers yesterday (Oct 2).
During the bus ride, he observed that after the Pelita Bus Station, many passengers after work in the afternoon got on the bus at UTC Bus Stop, Bintang Megamall and Boulevard bus stand.
It was recorded that the 45-seater bus was full and with standing passengers.
Following his interaction with the passengers, Lee heard many singing praises of the RM1 flat rate bus fare subsidy programme.
“They also requested (Lee) to look at increasing the bus frequency, improving the old buses’ condition, upgrading of bus stops, and installing street lights and speed signages at residential streets of Permyjaya.
“From those feedbacks, it is evident that there are more and more people using the buses in the early morning and the late evening. I took note that almost all the passengers are of B40 group,” he said in a statement today.
He further said all the feedback he gathered from the passengers would be discussed at the State/Divisional Public Transport Committee Meeting.
“At the same time, MOTS will communicate with Miri City Council on the lack of facilities for bus users,” he added.
Also present were MOTS technical advisor Dr Lawrence Tseu and Head of Policy Formulation and Project Management Division, Chong Chi Fam. — DayakDaily
