By Yee Mei
KUCHING, May 24: Since the start of the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Programme, the cumulative number of riders using stage bus services in Sarawak from May 2020 until February 2022 has reached 4.5 million.
This was revealed by Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He added that the programme started with 12 bus companies operating on 23 routes in Kuching, Sibu and Miri and now has increased to 56 routes covering Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Sarikei, Miri, and Bintulu.
“The programme was implemented by my ministry on May 4, 2020.
“The primary aim of this programme is to help the rakyat to ease their financial burden, especially those in the B40 and M40 groups who were badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and to revive bus services which are in dire straits.
“By doing so, we will encourage modal shift from commuting via private vehicles to public transport, and concomitantly, this can help ease traffic congestion within major cities and towns in Sarawak,” he said.
Lee elaborated that on May 12, the programme was launched in Bintulu to reactivate stage bus services in Bintulu town.
“This was made possible with the cooperation of the elected representatives and support from the bus company.
“Most importantly, this is a testimony that the Sarawak government, through my ministry, is tirelessly working towards improving and expanding the stage bus transport network in Sarawak,” Lee said.
He also gave his assurance that his ministry will continue to improve stage bus services by introducing new initiatives such as conducting surveys on travel behaviour and usage of bus services, and developing bus infrastructure and facilities which include footpaths and greenery, shaded trees, safe and comfortable bus stops and facilities for persons with disabilities.
“My ministry will also work together with the relevant agencies on the development of an integrated public transport system involving transport tracking and monitoring and convenient payment system.” — DayakDaily
