KUCHING: Residents here are set to benefit from the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) starting early next year, with 56 new buses enhancing the city’s existing public transportation network.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the SBST would significantly improve handicap access, reliability, and connectivity, offering greater convenience and efficiency to Kuching residents.
“These buses come equipped with modern amenities that will enhance the overall ridership experience. They are already in operation in Seremban and Malacca and will be gradually introduced in all state capitals nationwide.
“It is expected to help improve public transport usage and reduce reliance on private vehicles. This shift will contribute to lower traffic congestion, faster travel times and reduced environmental impact,” he said during the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian government and Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd held at Raia Hotel here today.
During a press conference later, Loke said the Ministry of Transport would assess the programme’s effectiveness after its implementation.
“If we secure additional funding from the Ministry of Finance, we plan to extend the SBST to other cities, including more locations in Sarawak,” he said.
He also assured that the SBST programme will guarantee payments to the operators.
Loke revealed that many stop-and-go buses nationwide have ceased operations because of financial losses.
“Under the SBST programme, operators will be compensated based on the distance they cover. The more they run, the more they get paid. So, the operators just need to fulfil their responsibilities and operate.
“This reduces their financial risk. The government will collect whatever farebox revenue there is,” he added.
He also noted that the ministry will engage the Land Public Transport Commission (LPKP) to ensure there is no resource wastage.
“In areas already served by buses, we may shift services to areas without coverage. This will involve coordination between the Sarawak Transport Ministry and LPKP to avoid overlaps,” he said.
The fare structure, to be determined by Sarawak LPKP, will ensure affordability for users.
“Since the operators’ costs are already covered, we will ensure that fares remain reasonable,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) president Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Openg, and LPKP chairman Michael Kong.
The ceremony earlier also witnessed the signing of an MoU between GVT Sdn Bhd and Yutong Bus Co Ltd.
