Despite the range limitation, the RM1 bus fare remains.
Sarawak’s RM1 flat rate bus fare subsidy programme has been limited to routes of not more than 40km.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the decision was made so that the programme, in collaboration with Stage Bus Companies until 2025, would be cost effective and achieve its objective.
In a statement, he said the ministry had informed all 11 bus companies operating in Kuching, Sibu, Sarikei, Miri and Bintulu of the new subsidy model and that details of the stage bus routes and schedule had been laid out.
However, he assured that the bus rate would be maintained at RM1 per trip per person.
He said the state government, through its Transport Ministry, would work towards improving and expanding the stage bus services in Sarawak.
“It is the government’s hope that the initiative will continue to encourage more people to use public transport,” he said.
Lee said the programme had benefitted the people, especially the B40 group, since its implementation in May 2020.
“Ridership numbers have shown an impressive 70% rise, with average ridership increased from 209,055 per month in 2021 to 364,725 per month in 2023.”
