WHEN it comes to getting children to school, parents often rely on school buses or private transport, avoiding the daily chauffeuring routine.
However, this convenience comes with a financial cost that many families in the B40 and even M40 income groups find hard to bear.
Depending on the route and vehicle type, parents might spend anywhere from RM50 to RM300 on school bus service, with private transport costs soaring even higher. The longer the commute, the steeper the fare.
This is where the Smart Selangor free bus service in Klang comes in, offering a lifeline to families struggling with school transportation expenses.
Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said this initiative by Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) was helping to send some 2,500 children to school each month free of charge, reducing worries about transportation costs.
Several parents who spoke to StarMetro said this service alleviated their daily financial stress, allowing them to focus more on their children’s education and well-being.
The service, which began in mid-2016, covers a 15.6km route with 23 stops stretching from Jalan Batu Tiga Lama to Jalan Pos Baru.
There are seven routes in all, with the last one established in mid-2020.
It now serves a broad network of 29 schools, including SK Klang, SMK Sri Istana and SMK Methodist ACS, among others (see chart).
Easing families’ burden
“With the escalating cost of living, savings from using free public transportation will come in handy.
“The service operates with 10 buses across seven routes, ensuring students arrive punctually while easing the financial burden on families,” he told StarMetro.
This relief is particularly pertinent given the increase in school bus fares.
On Jan 8, Malaysian School Bus Operators Association president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusof reportedly said bus operators had planned to increase the fares by between RM5 and RM10 per student starting February, citing increased operating cost.
This increase, by about 30%, is especially painful when families have several schoolgoing children.
In response, Transport Minister Anthony Loke noted that the ministry lacked the authority to intervene, as school bus fares fell outside its jurisdiction.
The Smart Selangor free bus –which is open to all commuters – provides a sensible alternative, especially for families living along the routes and schools within walking distance of the stops.
The buses run every 15 to 25 minutes starting from 6am to 9pm, seven days a week, and are equipped with WiFi and CCTV cameras for safety.
Other than cost savings for families, Abd Hamid said there was another added benefit to using the buses.
“If students take the free bus to school, it results in less congestion on the road daily, especially within school zones,” he added.
MBDK’s Urban Planning Department director Yusrina Mohamad Yusof emphasised the city council’s commitment to increasing public transport use to alleviate traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and to reduce single-occupancy vehicles.
“We find many students using the bus service. Our bus service caters to all.
“In 2024, we saw an overall 354,663 passengers,” she said.
She highlighted that each full bus removed an estimated 35 cars from the road.
“Selangor Smart buses are also designed with ramps to cater to people with disabilities,” she added.
The service is managed by MBDK in collaboration with Wawasan Sutera Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd.
Yusrina said the annual cost to operate the free bus service was RM3,328,320 and there were plans to add extra buses.
Well-received
Feedback from commuters has been overwhelmingly positive.
Smart Selangor bus driver S. Hakimi said he had observed increased student ridership and suggested an awareness campaign to further boost usage.
This is something MBDK is already planning to do.
Abd Hamid said MBDK planned to brief headmasters and principals of schools located along or within walking distance of the bus routes, in early May, to encourage more students to use the service.
He also said the city council was looking into other ways to promote the free bus service among this target group.
Students like P. Dhanesh, 13, appreciate the service’s punctuality and WiFi access.
“Travelling on the free bus is actually quite pleasant, and it has WiFi connection,” he said.
Ilyas Kammarulzaman, 13, highlighted the safety provided with CCTV cameras on board, while Darvish Fauzi, 13, enjoyed the clean environment and online reading opportunities (thanks to free Wifi) during commutes.
Parents also see value in the service. Mohd Faizal Ishak from Kampung Sungai Udang, praised its punctuality and convenience.
“It gives parents peace of mind as children can attend school not only on weekdays, but also extra-curricular activities on weekends without worry,” he said.
Vegetable vendor Rosyam Muddin, from Bandar Baru Klang, said the free bus service was a godsend as the cost of living had gone up and business had not improved much since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I sell vegetables using kandar baskets with bamboo poles, to cut costs.
“As a parent of three school- going children, I am grateful that the bus route goes past the low-cost flats in my area and all three of my kids take the bus to school and back,” said Rosyam, who also takes the bus to sell his vegetables in nearby housing areas.
Asyraff Zahari, a single father of two secondary schoolchildren, is also thankful that his sons are able to use the free bus that plies outside his home in Kampung Jawa.
“The free bus is a great help, otherwise the boys would have to walk to school.
“But I hope the buses could be routed into the housing areas where the old bus stops still exist. Most of us want the old routes revived,” said the nasi lemak seller.
E-hailing driver Muniandi Pillai, from Taman Seri Kerayong, Kapar, said the free bus service was good as it meant not having to fork out money to send his daughters to school.
“As a parent, it helps me out because the money saved goes towards their tuition fees,” he said.
