Latest news with #RapidBus'
The Star
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
On-demand transit service set to grow in Penang
Passengers boarding the on-demand van in Bayan Baru. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star SEVEN vans have been deployed for Rapid Bus' Rapid On-Demand (ROD) service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas, Penang. Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the ROD service was launched in Bayan Lepas on April 27, followed by Bayan Baru on May 31, bringing the total number of service zones in Penang to 13. 'We've deployed four vans in Bayan Lepas and three in Bayan Baru and plan to add more vehicles to these zones moving forward,' he said during a promotional ride in Bayan Baru. Ku Jamil said initial response to the ROD initiative in Penang had been encouraging, showing potential for further development. Sim (front) and Ku Jamil in a Rapid On-Demand van at Bayan Baru. He added that 200 passengers on average daily had used the ROD service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas since its launch. He saw great potential in the Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru areas, especially with the emergence of new developments such as Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the expansion of Penang International Airport. 'We believe the ROD service will likely lead to an increase in the number of passengers using Rapid Penang. 'Given the growth potential, we plan to deploy additional vans in both areas to meet future demand. 'We hope the stakeholders involved in the ongoing developments can help promote this service to the public, so more passengers will be encouraged to try out the ROD service,' he said. The ROD service, first introduced in Farlim in Aug 1 last year, he said, was currently operating with a fleet of 50 vans. Between January and June this year, the service recorded an average daily ridership of 2,520 passengers. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and well-suited for the area's growing needs. He said the ROD service could encourage more people to make it their primary mode of transport. 'This service offers flexibility and accessibility, especially in areas not fully covered by regular bus routes. 'It can help reduce reliance on private vehicles and ease traffic congestion in the long run.' Sim said Penang would soon see two major infrastructure projects – the airport expansion and construction of Mutiara LRT – both of which were expected to significantly disrupt traffic flow. He said the introduction of the ROD service was a proactive move to address these challenges. 'I believe this service is coming in at the right time to offer practical solutions. 'And I strongly urge drivers, workers and residents in the area to be part of the solution, by using and supporting this service,' he added.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Rapid Bus revs up minibus services
KUALA LUMPUR: Diesel-powered minibuses are among the latest additions to Rapid Bus' fleet serving the Klang Valley and Penang, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced. A total of 310 diesel buses will be deployed on selected high-demand routes to improve service frequency, he said. This will also be the final batch of diesel-powered buses purchased by Prasarana in line with the government's commitment to transitioning towards more environmentally friendly transport systems, Loke added. 'As the country's main public transport operator, Prasarana has played a key role in delivering safe, efficient and reliable bus and train services. 'The diesel bus programme forms part of Prasarana's long-term strategic plan to enhance its assets and strengthen operational capabilities,' he said during the unveiling ceremony of Rapid KL and Rapid Penang's diesel buses here yesterday. While manufactured by the Chinese company Higer, the components for the new buses are assembled locally in Johor. Loke said this supports technology transfer and the development of Malaysia's automotive sector. Fleet expansion: Loke (left) launching the new Rapid Bus diesel fleet. Also present are Prasarana president and group chief executive Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah (second from left) and the Transport Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan (in blue shirt). — LOW BOON TAT/The Star 'These buses comply with Euro 5 emissions standards, which are among the strictest global benchmarks in regulating pollutants such as nitrogen oxide. 'This new fleet will help improve air quality, particularly in urban areas,' he said. Of the 310 units, 200 are 9-metre minibuses designed to serve residential areas that are less accessible to standard-sized buses. Of these, 70 will be allocated to Penang to further enhance first- and last-mile connectivity. Looking ahead, Loke said electric buses are expected to be introduced by next year, with the tender process for their procurement already concluded. 'We are in the process of appointing a vendor. 'Delivery of the electric buses is expected to take around 12 months,' he said, adding that one of the tender requirements is for the buses to be assembled locally under a completely knocked-down model. While foreign manufacturers are allowed to bid, successful tenderers must have local partners or be locally incorporated entities, Loke noted. Separately, he revealed that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's (KTMB) passenger services have yet to reach break-even. However, he pointed out that the government-linked company's freight services are generating profits. 'There is indeed a shortfall in operational spending. In terms of operations, we have not yet reached profitability or the break-even point,' he said, adding that the government continues to provide a funding gap allocation to KTMB to support operational costs. In 2023, KTMB earned RM112mil from cargo operations, accounting for nearly a quarter of its total revenue.
