Free Selangor bus hits 76 million riders
(Left) A total of 54 Smart Selangor bus routes pass by schools. — Filepic
THE free Smart Selangor bus service has recorded more than 76 million riders since it was introduced 10 years ago.
State investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han said Selangor had spent more than RM180mil to provide the service since 2015.
'The Smart Selangor bus service now operates on 59 routes.
'Of these, 54 routes serve 252 schools, which is 26% of the total number of schools in Selangor.'
On whether the state planned to increase the number of bus routes, Ng said it would depend on demand.
'For now, our focus is on the demand-responsive transit (DRT) service, which we hope can provide better connectivity for first- and last-mile journeys.
'We are evaluating request for proposal (RFP) applications from potential DRT service providers and hope to roll out the service again in less than three months,' he said, adding that the routes were yet to be finalised.
The covered walkway at SMK Dato' Ahmad Razali in Kampung Melayu Ampang built by MPAJ. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
StarMetro reported that during the RFP period, DRT service providers would not operate under the Selangor Mobility programme but could continue operations based on their own business plans.
The DRT service pilot phase ran from Nov 21, 2023, to July 31, 2024, in eight zones across Selangor, with 73,389 people having used the service.
Previously, there were two DRT service providers under Selangor Mobility – Trek Rides and Mobi.
Ng was speaking to reporters after launching the newly completed covered walkway at SMK Dato' Ahmad Razali in Kampung Melayu Ampang in Ampang.
'This area was one of the zones under the DRT pilot project, known as the Keramat Zone.
'Following the pilot project's completion, the state identified a continued need for the service and included it in the new tender process. The (DRT) vans can serve areas like SMK Dato' Ahmad Razali and Kampung Melayu Ampang, as they are able to navigate narrow routes.'
On the new walkway, Ng said it was expected to boost safety and comfort for students commuting to school.
The walkway, along with another in Bukit Indah and two bus stops, was built by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) with a special RM1.15mil allocation from the state.
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