Rapid Bus to add 200 mini diesel buses to KL, Penang fleets in Q3
"They are designed to improve first and last mile connection, allowing access to residential areas and narrow routes that are not suitable for regular-sized buses," Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today during a press conference after a ceremony to unveil 310 Euro 5 diesel buses for Rapid KL and Rapid Penang.
He said 200 of the new diesel buses are compact buses measuring 8.9m long.
He said 70 of these mini buses would be sent to Penang to support the Rapid Penang network.
"These buses feature Euro 5 engines, which reduce carbon emissions by up to 24 per cent and are more environmentally friendly.
"However, they will be the last batch of diesel-powered buses purchased by Rapid Bus."
He said the government had closed the tender for electric buses, with a contractor expected to be appointed soon.
On speculation that the Rapid KL On-Demand van service would replace buses, Loke said the van service was designed to complement the bus service.
"I have seen comments questioning whether the on-demand vans will replace buses. The answer is no. These vans are meant to enhance the public transport system, not replace it.
"Buses will continue to be added, as we are doing now. The van service helps ferry passengers from residential areas to transport hubs, such as MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations or main bus terminals."
He said the goal was to create a more integrated and accessible public transport network across the country.
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