By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 30: Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has refuted claims that the stage buses used in the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Programme introduced since 2020, were rarely seen on the road and never full of passengers.
He said the ministry’s data on the number of riders using stage bus services in Sarawak has shown an increasing trend.
“(The buses’ performance) is depending on what time of the day. I do not have the actual figure on that and the (negative claims) are from hearsay, but we have to look at the figures and the figures show that there is an increase in ridership.
“We are continuing the programme but of course we will have to improve. That is why the Ministry is putting up a proposal that we must have a dedicated lane for all these public transportations.
“Otherwise, they would be caught in (traffic jams) also and they cannot be punctual,” he said when responding to a reporter’s query during his visit to Kenyalang Traffic Garden here today.
He further cited the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project which would have its own dedicated lane, which will not obstruct other road users.
“You cannot be punctual if your public transport is (grouped) together with other commuter cars. If you (public) are caught in the (traffic) jam, they (public buses) are also caught in the (traffic) jam.
“So we have to look into our planning of road infrastructure where we have to look at public transportation and that they must have dedicated lanes. Only then, can they be punctual,” he added.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Road) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and councillor Kho Teck Wan. — DayakDaily
