MIRI: The RM1 flat rate bus fare programme is still relevant and should continue as a programme for the B40 group as well as an agenda to reduce urban traffic in the cities and town of Sarawak.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said this recently after boarding the 4.50 pm Miri Belait Transport Company Sdn Bhd’s bus to Permajaya.
During the trip, he said he was able to experience and get some feedback from the passengers on the RM1 flat rate bus fare subsidy programme and stage bus transport services.
“I was able to witness the bus passengers boarding and dropping off at the respective bus stops.
“I managed to speak to many passengers and was able to get valuable information on their bus ride experiences.
“All of them were grateful to the government for the RM1 flat rate bus fare subsidy programme. They also requested me to look at a few issues like increasing the frequency of the bus services, improving the conditions of the buses as most are old.
“They also call for improvements to the bus stops/ bus shelters and installation of street lights in many of Permyjaya’s streets as some of them take the early buses at 5.45 am and 6.15 am when it is still dark.
“They also want to have speed limit signs on the streets in Permyjaya so cars do not go beyond the permitted speed limit of 40 or 50 km per hour, especially in the residential areas,” he said this in a recent statement.
Following the public’s requests, Lee said he had directed his ministry to work closely with the bus operator on getting new buses.
“It is also decided that many of the issues pertaining to bus facilities such as no bus stop signs, inadequate bus shelters, lack of speed limit signs at residential areas where the buses pick and drop passengers and lack of street lighting will all be discussed at the State/Divisional Public Transport Committee Meeting.
“At the same time, my ministry will communicate with Miri City Council on the lack of facilities for bus users,” he added.
Lee was optimistic after the improvements, the buses would be able to attract more passengers and this would help to reduce urban traffic congestion.
“Overall, I am truly satisfied and pleased to note that the B40 group uses bus services for urban mobility,” he added.
