By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Oct 1: Miri City Smart Bus began its maiden trial run around the city today.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said this was the first time Miri has a free bus service supported by the Sarawak government under the Miri City Smart Bus programme.
“The programme is also expected to be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Oct 9,” he said when boarding the bus from Emart Tudan to the city centre at 6am today.
At the same time, Lee urged students from nearby schools to make full use of this service.
He said this initiative is also aimed at encouraging more students to use public transport and promoting a more sustainable and efficient commuting culture in Miri.
In the meantime, he has fulfilled his promise to introduce a new modern bus for the people of Miri after receiving feedback from bus drivers and passengers.
“Today, I have fulfilled my promise that the people here this morning will be the first to board this new modern Volvo bus, which is undergoing its maiden trial starting today,” he said.
It is understood that this project introduced 14 brand new smart buses covering eight main routes, providing free services to the public and will operate every day from 5.30am to 7.30pm.
The eight routes include Permy Jaya (four buses), Sg Rait/Bakam (one bus), RTM/Pujut 2 (one bus), Kuala Baram (one bus), Hospital (one bus), Riam/Taman Tunku (two buses), Senadin (two buses), and Tudan (two buses).
The smart bus is equipped with a tracking device that allows people to monitor the bus schedule and real-time location through a mobile app that is expected to be activated after the official launch.
Once operational, the mobile app will allow passengers to quickly check bus arrival times and current locations, ensuring they can plan their journeys more efficiently. — DayakDaily
