Latest news with #StageBusServiceTransformation
New Straits Times
30-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Kedahans praise govt's pink Bas.My for comfort, affordability
ALOR STAR: Kedahans, especially senior citizens and students, have welcomed the Transport Ministry's stage bus service, noting its affordable fares and reliable service. A check at the under-renovation Shahab Perdana Bus Terminal here found that the elderly dominate the ridership of the distinctive pink buses. Retired civil servant Aziz Abdullah, 57, lauded the service as a success in its early stages. "I took a ride from my home in Jitra and it was a pleasant experience. The bus was in good condition, comfortable, and ideal for those who want a relaxing commute," he said. He added that based on his observations, the Jitra-Alor Star route was mainly used by the elderly and students. "It's like going back to the '90s, the fares are affordable and service is reliable. Students, especially from Jitra's higher learning institutions, also seem to be making good use of it, especially on weekends," he said. Bus driver D. Tenagaran, 70, said the service had attracted tourists and international students exploring the city. "Popular stops include Aman Central, Masjid Zahir, and Pekan Rabu. Ridership is growing steadily as more people realise how affordable and convenient it is," he said. However, not everyone was enthusiastic. A taxi driver, who wanted to be identified only as Pak Mail, said the service had intensified competition in an already saturated market. "Our business has taken a hit. We're already competing with e-hailing services, and now this adds to the challenge." Even so, he said the service had increased foot traffic around the terminal. "Maybe it's still early, but at least it brings more people here. Some prefer taking a bus to town and then a taxi home," he added. The stage bus service, part of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, has a RM78.5 million five-year allocation for 13 Kedah routes. A RM50 for a 30-day unlimited travel pass is available for Malaysians in Kota Setar district, allowing unlimited rides across all 13 routes for a month. Meanwhile, free rides are provided through the Concession Card for senior citizens, the disabled, schoolchildren and all students from public and private higher learning institutions. On Monday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Kota Setar district service, launched on June 1, had recorded approximately 30,000 users monthly. The figure is expected to hit 40,000 by month's end.
The Star
29-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
A van service for patients
KANGAR: The Transport Ministry will soon introduce a new service, Medik, under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme to provide accessible transport for passengers with limited mobility, says Anthony Loke. The Transport Minister said the initiative will require operators to provide at least one dedicated van to serve passengers using wheelchairs or travelling to clinics or dialysis centres. 'The Medik service will be offered at an affordable fare,' Loke said at the launch of the SBST Kangar service with Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli yesterday, Bernama reported. He noted that transportation remains a challenge for many patients, particularly those who require frequent medical treatment. 'For example, dialysis patients typically need to travel three times a week. Taking a taxi to and from the centre can cost RM20 to RM30 per trip, which is a heavy burden. Loke stated that the government has allocated significant funds to provide this service, aiming to assist the public, especially those in urban areas. — Bernama 'With Medik, the van will pick them up from home and take them directly to the treatment centre at a much lower fare. 'This service will be introduced by bus operators soon,' he said. Loke said the Federal Government has allocated RM39.7mil over five years to support the continued operation of Kangar to enhance public transport access and improve the well-being of residents. The service in Kangar currently operates nine routes, including a cross-border link to Alor Setar, Kedah, which should be fully utilised by the public, he added. Ready to roll: The SBST Kangar service was officially launched at Dataran Dato Sheikh Ahmad in Kangar, Perlis. — Bernama 'Before the Covid-19 pandemic, SBST Kangar recorded a monthly ridership of around 30,000 passengers from 2016 to 2019. However, for the first half of 2025, the monthly average has dropped to just 12,071 passengers,' he said. Loke believes the service has room for significant growth and issued a challenge to Kangar operators to restore pre-pandemic ridership levels. 'To achieve this, operators must step up promotional efforts and actively engage all segments of the community in Kangar and across Perlis,' he said.
The Sun
28-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
BAS.MY Medik service to aid mobility-limited passengers in Malaysia
KANGAR: The Transport Ministry is set to launch Medik, a new service under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, designed to assist passengers with limited mobility. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that operators will provide dedicated vans for wheelchair users and those needing transport to medical facilities. 'The Medik service will be offered at an affordable fare,' Loke said during the SBST Kangar launch, attended by Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. He highlighted the financial burden faced by patients, particularly dialysis patients who require frequent trips. 'Taking a taxi to and from the centre can cost RM20 to RM30 per trip, which is a heavy burden. With Medik, the van will pick them up from home and take them directly to the treatment centre at a much lower fare,' Loke explained. The Federal government has allocated RM39.7 million over five years to sustain Kangar operations, aiming to improve public transport accessibility. Currently, the service covers nine routes, including a cross-border link to Alor Setar, Kedah. Loke noted a decline in ridership post-pandemic, urging operators to boost promotions. 'Before COVID-19, SBST Kangar recorded 30,000 monthly passengers. Now, it's just 12,071. Operators must engage all community segments to restore pre-pandemic levels,' he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Transport Ministry to roll out Bas.My Medik service for patients with mobility challenges
KANGAR: The Transport Ministry will soon introduce a new service, Medik, under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme to provide accessible transport for passengers with limited mobility. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initiative will require operators to provide at least one dedicated van to serve passengers using wheelchairs or travelling to clinics or dialysis centres. "The Medik service will be offered at an affordable fare," Loke said at the launch of the SBST Kangar service today, with Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. He noted that transportation remains a challenge for many patients, particularly those who require frequent medical treatment. "For example, dialysis patients typically need to travel three times a week. Taking a taxi to and from the centre can cost RM20 to RM30 per trip, which is a heavy burden. "With Medik, the van will pick them up from home and take them directly to the treatment centre at a much lower fare. This service will be introduced by bus operators soon," he said. Loke said the Federal government has allocated RM39.7 million over five years to support the continued operation of Kangar, to enhance public transport access and improve the well-being of residents. The service in Kangar currently operates nine routes, including a cross-border link to Alor Star, Kedah, which should be fully utilised by the public, he added. "Before the Covid-19 pandemic, SBST Kangar recorded a monthly ridership of around 30,000 passengers from 2016 to 2019. However, for the first half of 2025, the monthly average has dropped to just 12,071 passengers," he said. Loke believes the service has room for significant growth and issued a challenge to Kangar operators to restore pre-pandemic ridership levels. "To achieve this, operators must step up promotional efforts and actively engage all segments of the community in Kangar and across Perlis," he said. – BERNAMA
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Transport Ministry To Roll Out BAS.MY Medik Soon For Passengers With Limited Mobility
KANGAR, July 28 — The Transport Ministry will soon introduce a new service, Medik, under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme to provide accessible transport for passengers with limited mobility. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initiative will require operators to provide at least one dedicated van to serve passengers using wheelchairs or travelling to clinics or dialysis centres. 'The Medik service will be offered at an affordable fare,' Loke said at the launch of the SBST Kangar service today, with Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. He noted that transportation remains a challenge for many patients, particularly those who require frequent medical treatment. 'For example, dialysis patients typically need to travel three times a week. Taking a taxi to and from the centre can cost RM20 to RM30 per trip, which is a heavy burden. 'With Medik, the van will pick them up from home and take them directly to the treatment centre at a much lower fare. This service will be introduced by bus operators soon,' he said. Loke said the Federal government has allocated RM39.7 million over five years to support the continued operation of Kangar, to enhance public transport access and improve the well-being of residents. The service in Kangar currently operates nine routes, including a cross-border link to Alor Setar, Kedah, which should be fully utilised by the public, he added. 'Before the COVID-19 pandemic, SBST Kangar recorded a monthly ridership of around 30,000 passengers from 2016 to 2019. However, for the first half of 2025, the monthly average has dropped to just 12,071 passengers,' he said.
