KUCHING: Locals and tourists alike now have another way of getting around the city, with the Kuching Metro Electric City Bus service, which was launched recently.
The bus stops at popular locations such as Darul Hana Bridge, Chinese History Museum, Kuching Waterfront, Jalan Abell, iCom Square, Jalan Kulas and Jalan Haji Taha.
As a Covid-19 safety precaution, the bus driver would notify passengers to scan the MySejahtera QR code and check their temperature.
With the KuchingMetro2.0 mobile application, the public can view live locations of the electric bus service and its daily schedule. The bus also features priority seats, air conditioner and other facilities like Wi-Fi.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to locals, who were excited about this latest public transportation development.
Muhammad Luqmanul Hakim, 22, a student at Universiti Malaya (UM), opined that the electric bus service was a progressive step in Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed state by 2030.
“In order to be a progressive and developed state, we must also have public transportation that is accessible by all. I think this is a very good and important facility.
“Since it is free, I highly recommend the public to take the opportunity to use it. I actually found out from reading the news so I hope more people are aware of this service.”
He added that given the popular routes, this would surely benefit tourists when they are able to visit Sarawak.
“I brought two of my friends to try out this new facility. It is fun to explore our own hometown. It also allows us to appreciate what the state government has provided and done for us.”
Mahazir Azri, 24, also a UM student, said the electric bus service was good for the environment as it reduced traffic congestion and carbon emission.
He added that the facility gave an air of exclusivity and further enhanced the city’s outlook.
“I’m very excited because this is my first time using public transportation in Kuching even though I’m a local. We are used to using public transportation in big cities like Kuala Lumpur so this is a great addition here.
“I think youths like myself are more excited compared to the older generation. It’s a good thing because not all of us (youths) can afford our own cars so we are the ones who will be using facilities like this.”
He also pointed out that youths in particular could be further made aware of this facility through social media.
“I don’t think it will be a challenge to promote this facility to youths and the public in general because we can use social media. I look forward to having more facilities that can benefit all of us in the future.”
Ilyasa Azman, 23, a student at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said he looked forward to seeing tourists exploring Kuching again.
He added that more routes would be included in the future.
“I enjoy using public transportation in Penang, so I’m grateful that Kuching has this too. It would be great to have more buses and routes so that visitors can see and learn more about our city.
“This facility will definitely enhance our state’s tourism industry and contribute to the people’s economy. I hope the situation with the Covid-19 pandemic will improve so we can have visitors again.”
Ilyasa added that there should be more awareness on the mobile application for the electric bus service.
“If more people know about the mobile application, it will directly promote and encourage them to use it. The awareness and visibility for the mobile application is something that can be improved on.”
