Latest news with #RM55mil
The Star
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
New fleet of 320 vans to boost Rapid KL On-Demand service
THE Rapid KL On-Demand service will be expanded with the addition of 320 new vans by June, at a cost of RM55mil. This is to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity and encourage greater public transport use. Bernama reported that the expansion was expected to significantly boost coverage, increasing the number of service zones from 37 to 101 nationwide. The vans will have designated seats for persons with disabilities. (Right) The open-payment system allows users to pay using debit and credit cards. — Photos: Bernama Daily ridership on the service is also expected to increase to 36,000 users per day compared to 4,000 passengers currently. This is expected to benefit those in high-rise residential areas such as apartments and flats, where stops will be conveniently located nearby. The vans will also have designated seats for persons with disabilities and feature an open- payment system that allows users to pay using debit and credit cards. Operating within a 5km radius, the service ensures passengers can reach Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations within 10 minutes. The RM1 fare for Rapid KL On-Demand makes public transport a more attractive choice.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru passenger train to serve key Johor stretch
Ready, set...: Loke officiating the reopening of the Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru train track. JOHOR BARU: Passenger train services will soon run along the Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru route, previously reserved solely for cargo trains, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. He said the new service is expected to be operational within the next six to 12 months. 'Previously, this track only served freight needs, but we have discussed with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) about introducing passenger services as well. 'This is a high-population area with the potential to attract many passengers. As a start, we plan to use KTMB's existing rolling stock to provide the service,' Loke said after the reopening of the line at the Pasir Gudang KTMB station here yesterday. In the meantime, Loke said the Transport Ministry is identifying suitable spots along the 40km stretch to build passenger stops. 'There are currently no stations on this line, so we're planning to set up simple but functional boarding points. These will not be fancy stations but they must be safe and practical for passengers,' he explained. The reopening of the line comes after a six-month closure for upgrades. Originally slated to take two years, the RM55mil project was fast-tracked by halting operations temporarily. 'This allowed us to complete the upgrades earlier, which has tripled the line's cargo capacity and eased congestion in the area,' said Loke. On a separate matter, Loke said the Land Public Transport Agency has issued revocation letters to e-hailing firms InDrive and Maxim. 'Effective July 24, InDrive and Maxim must cease operations in this country. The two companies can file appeals, but the final decision rests with me,' he said in response to questions about calls for the government to take action against the two companies for allegedly operating illegally. The action follows pressure from the Malaysian P-Hailing Association, which accused the platforms of flouting regulations, including allowing drivers without valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences to operate. 'This is not only unfair to drivers who do hold valid PSV licences, but also compromises passenger safety,' the association said in a statement. It also claimed that some drivers on the platforms lack e-hailing insurance and have not undergone vehicle inspections as required by the platform's terms and conditions.
The Star
09-05-2025
- The Star
Pasir Gudang - Kempas Baru cargo rail line to include passenger services, says Loke
JOHOR BARU: The cargo-only Pasir Gudang–Kempas Baru railway line will soon be upgraded to accommodate passenger services, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said the new service is expected to be available to the public within six to 12 months. "Previously, this track was only used for cargo, but we have discussed with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) about introducing passenger services as well. "This is a high-population area with the potential to attract many passengers. "As a start, we plan to use KTMB's existing rolling stock to provide the service," he told a press conference here on Friday (May 9). Loke was speaking after the reopening ceremony of the Pasir Gudang–Kempas Baru track at the Pasir Gudang KTMB station. He added that the ministry is identifying suitable locations along the 40km stretch to build passenger stations. "Currently, there are no stations along this line. "So, we are looking at setting up simple but functional stops to allow passengers to board and alight safely. "These will not be fancy stations, but they must be safe and practical for passengers," he said. Earlier, Loke launched the reopening of the railway line, which had been closed for six months for upgrading works. He said that the RM55mil project was initially expected to take 24 months to complete. "However, by making the difficult decision to temporarily halt operations for six months, we were able to accelerate the project. "This allowed us to complete the upgrades earlier, tripling the line's cargo capacity and easing congestion in the area," he said. More To Come
