Sudden suspension of Smart Selangor bus routes sparks public outcry

New Straits Times

26-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The sudden suspension of five Smart Selangor bus routes in Subang Jaya earlier this month has provoked widespread frustration among residents, many of whom depend heavily on the free service for their daily journeys to work, school and healthcare facilities.
This disruption has left commuters without clear alternatives, triggering a flood of complaints on social media and urgent calls for action from the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
MBSJ announced the temporary suspension of the affected routes on May 2, but did not give a date for when services might resume, leaving thousands in uncertainty.
Many working adults expressed how the suspension has thrown their daily routines into chaos, with no immediate alternatives readily available in the impacted areas.
"MBSJ, can you provide an alternative for the SJ03 Smart Selangor bus that suddenly stopped? How am I supposed to get to work?
"Please provide a solution as soon as possible. The Rapid KL On-Demand service does not even cover the Kinrara BK5 light rail transit (LRT) area," said user @HedayahDain on X.
Another user, @iripann, lamented the increased cost of transport.
"When will the Smart Selangor buses resume? It has been unbearable to pay for e-hailing services every day just to get to Serdang Hospital.
"The Rapid KL On-Demand service costs RM4 per ride and only operates from 8am to 8pm. It is not practical at all."
Some have questioned whether the service has been discontinued without prior notice.
"Has the SJ03 bus stopped for good? I did not see it yesterday or today. I rely on it to get home from the LRT station as it is the only bus that serves my neighbourhood," another user said.
Parents, educators and students have also voiced concern over the disruption to schooling, particularly affecting those in Puchong and Kinrara.
"This has impacted Form Six students travelling from the BK5 LRT station to Batu 8. Today, they had to walk all the way to college. We urge the city council to find an immediate alternative," a Facebook user appealed.
"Our students will be severely affected. Many live along the bus routes such as Taman Mawar, Puchong Jaya and Taman Kinrara. We hope the buses are reinstated as soon as possible," said user Francis Ng Chun Kia.
"Please understand that the Smart Selangor bus is essential for students from BK5, Batu 8 and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Puchong Jaya (A). Nearly all of them rely on it," said another user, Chikta Kunan.
Besides working adults and students, the elderly have also felt the impact of the suspension.
"It was heartbreaking to see an elderly gentleman waiting in the heat. These buses need regular maintenance," said user @anisabdaziz_.
Earlier, the New Straits Times reported that bus services on five Smart Selangor routes in Subang Jaya were suspended after the operator failed to submit permit applications on time and did not meet key licensing conditions, APAD said.
APAD clarified that the disruption was not caused by processing delays, but by SKS Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd's late submission of applications, which were only received on April 25 and 26.
The New Straits Times has contacted APAD for further comments but has yet to receive a response.