IPOH: Visitors to Taiping will soon be able to take a ride on the electric vehicle (EV) bus around the town's heritage trail route.
An initiative by the Taiping Municipal Council, the service would operate for a three-month trial period from May 1 until July 31.
Perak local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said from Aug 1, visitors wishing to use the bus would be charged a fee.
Ng said the bus ride would be for a distance of 11.5km.
“Each trip will take about one hour and 21 minutes with a tour guide explaining the locations on the trail.
“The journey starts at the Taiping Zoo & Night Safari and stops for 10 minutes at four locations, namely the rain tree walk, clock tower, casual market, Taiping Municipal Gallery and Burmese pool, before returning to the starting point (the zoo),” she said during the launch of the service on Monday (April 17).
The bus service, Ng said, would operate daily including weekends, with four trips a day from Monday to Friday, and five on Saturdays, Sundays, public and school holidays.
She said tickets are priced at RM20 for adults, while senior citizens, children and the disabled would be charged RM10.
“When tickets go on sale in August, there will be a 30% discount until Dec 31,” she added.
Ng said the bus, with a capacity of 22 passengers, runs fully on electricity and was donated by the Japanese government via the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
“Hopefully with the launch of the EV bus, the council will be able to boost the tourism industry in Taiping, as well as celebrate the 150th anniversary next year,” she added.
