IPOH: Perak Transit has come to the rescue of bus passengers on the Tapah-Bidor-Sungkai route who were left helpless after Hup Yik Omnibus ceased operations in May as bus services will resume on Wednesday (Nov 1) after approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
Perak infrastructure, energy, water and public transportation committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said he came to know about the matter only in October, and took immediate steps to resolve the situation.
He added that Hup Yik Omnibus had been plying the route for decades, but cash flow issues and dwindling passenger numbers led it to cease operations without notifying the state government.
“However, I thank Hup Yik Omnibus for its services, and if I am not mistaken it has been providing this service since even before I was born,” said Mohammad Nizar.
“But to ensure that there is bus service on that route, Perak Transit has come to the rescue,” he added at a press conference at his office here on Tuesday (Oct 31).
He said there would be two buses servicing the route, making a total of 20 trips each with 25 stops along the way.
“The buses used by Perak Transit are modern, with air-conditioning and music. For now until the school holidays, passengers will need to pay the fare of RM0.90 to RM3.20 using cash, before epayment and credit and debit facilities are installed,” he added.
Perak Transit general manager William Lai said he was confident that with the modern and comfortable buses, the number of passengers would increase.
“We are more than happy to assist the state government when it comes to public bus transportation.
“Daily, one bus will start its journey at 6.55am from the Tapah bus terminal, and the other from the Sungkai bus station,” he added.
