Rapid Bus enforcement officers in yellow monitoring bus frequency at a stop in Jalan Kelang Lama. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
FOUR more major Kuala Lumpur roads will soon get dedicated bus lanes in a trial that will be further expanded to Penang.
Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, operator of Rapid KL bus transport services and MRT feeder buses, plans to replicate positive results seen during a trial in Jalan Kelang Lama, where it said ridership increased and travel time was reduced.
“We (Rapid Bus) plan to extend the trial to four more corridors – Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Gombak, Jalan Cheras and Federal Highway.
“Following the success of the trial bus lanes in Klang Valley, the first bus lane initiatives in Penang are expected to be implemented in mid-November,” it said in statement to StarMetro.
Rapid Bus said the bus lane trial was a collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
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It is aimed at reducing the number of public vehicles in Kuala Lumpur city centre during peak hours, increasing public transport ridership by reducing travel time and ultimately encouraging the public to use public transport as their mode of transportation.
All this while addressing first- and last-mile issues.
Cars seen blocking the bus lane in Jalan Kelang Lama. Steps are being taken to educate motorists about the bus lane and enforcing its use.
The first bus lane project was introduced on July 3, 2023 in Jalan Ampang.
The second initiative involved Jalan Genting Kelang on Nov 15, 2023.
Since the implementation of these bus lanes, Rapid Bus said there was a recorded increase in passengers of 17% in Jalan Ampang and 50% in Jalan Genting Kelang. It did not provide further details.
The third bus lane trial was introduced in Jalan Kelang Lama on Aug 15.
The 6.37km-long bus lane starts from Jalan Puchong to Jalan Kelang Lama off Jalan Halimahton.
The bus lane is in effect during peak hours from 6am to 9am, Monday to Friday, except weekends and public holidays.
Rapid Bus said the lane had benefitted bus commuters in Puchong, Sri Manja, Taman Kinrara, Taman Desa, Taman OUG and Jalan Kuchai Lama.
It said since the implementation, Rapid Bus recorded an increase of 12% in ridership and reduction of 10% in travel time, without elaborating on the comparative time periods.
The operator of Rapid KL bus transport services and MRT feeder buses says ridership has risen and travel time fallen at all three of its bus lane projects.
“On Sept 6, 2024, we reached our highest recorded passenger count of 8,925.
“This indicates a growing demand and positive reception from the public.
“In addition, buses were increased from 28 to 41,” it said.
The bus lane performance is monitored and assessed via the Fleet Tracking System (travel time and commercial bus speed). Rapid Bus said DBKL and the police were also actively on the ground in addressing, enforcing and educating road users about the dedicated bus lane.
“In the last two months, we have received concerns raised by private vehicle owners about the bus lane on two-lane roads.
“DBKL has converted these to mixed lanes with dotted lines and added more signage for better awareness.
“Additionally, bus frequency was affected by private vehicles encroaching into the bus lane.
StarMetro report on Aug 26, 2024
“DBKL is actively enforcing bus lane rules and issuing summonses for violations by private vehicles.
“Feedback and data received during this trial period are highly appreciated in making necessary improvements to the project before deciding on a permanent bus lane,” it said.
The company said it was undertaking various initiatives to sustain and further boost passenger growth via collaboration with the government on a fleet replacement programme that will add 310 new diesel buses and 250 electric buses.
It plans to procure 300 vans to improve first- and last-mile connectivity through the Rapid DRT service.
Rapid Bus is also conducting a demand-driven study to gain insights into the travel behaviour of private vehicle users and aiming to develop targeted marketing strategies based on their findings.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced several initiatives to enhance the public bus transport system across Klang Valley and the country under Budget 2025.
He revealed that 100 bus stops in the Klang Valley would be upgraded through partnerships with government-linked companies and private sector players.
Additionally, RM10mil had been allocated for the development of 47km of new dedicated bus lanes along key routes, including Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Cheras and Jalan Gombak.
Anwar also pledged over RM270mil for the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme aimed at improving safety and comfort for bus commuters in major cities nationwide.
