OPINION: Too many cooks in the bus industry?

By : SANTHA OORJITHAM

Several government agencies are tackling the problems besetting the express bus sector. But industry experts tell SANTHA OORJITHAM the only solution is a single agency armed with a comprehensive plan


Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh says KTB is losing RM40,000 in revenue every day to RapidKL.

FIRST, the good news for express bus companies: The authorities have heard the various requests that they have made over the years and plan to implement some of them.

But there's also bad news: Their call for a one-stop centre with jurisdiction over the industry is unlikely to be met. And there is no sign of a blueprint for the sector.

After the express bus crash at Bukit Gantang last month that claimed 22 lives, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), under the Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Ministry, is taking action, says its chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran.

With an expanded force (from 67 in May to 84 now), its officers are checking on management at bus companies "on a random basis".

When the officers unearth problems, "we will ask them to come in and explain why they don't have reasonable management", says Markiman.

The CVLB will advise them to focus on the standard and discipline of drivers, he adds.

But of more interest to operators will be the news that their proposal for a database on errant drivers and accidents will be granted.

"We have appointed Init5, the company handling a driver profile for taxi companies, to do the same for express buses - keeping track of accidents and driving offences," he says.

As for their request for a fare revision, the ministry instructed the CVLB this month to study the fares of the entire public transport sector.

"The government has agreed to look into the standard of express bus services," explains Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khaled Nordin.

"And if that affects costs, we will also review the costs." He notes that operators' costs include fuel, wages, loan repayment, asset depreciation, maintenance, licences, insurance and road tax.

The study will take months as the board will have to look at every class of transport and also recommend measures to improve efficiency and safety, adds Markiman.

The CVLB has also been writing letters to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, which determines fuel subsidies, since the last bus fare increase in 2005.

"The CVLB has always supported bus operators' requests with regard to fuel subsidies," he says.

Bus operators' suggestion of a training school for new drivers is being addressed too.

Markiman says he has spoken to the minister about having Kolej Kemahiran Mara or Pusat Giatmara come up with a syllabus and course for potential drivers of public transport: "He agreed and we are working out the details."

However, Markiman doesn't support the call for a single regulatory body. At present, licences and fares come under the CVLB.

Different aspects of enforcement are covered by the Road Transport Department (under the Ministry of Transport), CVLB and the police, while Puspakom handles technical and routine inspection.

The International Trade and Industry Ministry regulates chassis import and duties and local authorities oversee infrastructure such as terminals and bus stops.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry ensure environmental and labour regulations are followed.

Safety issues do not depend on whether the government has one or more agencies responsible, argues Khaled.

"What is important is that each existing agency has to improve its system of delivery and monitoring to ensure that bus service is within the law, safe and of quality."

But he is in favour of consolidation of the 186 express bus companies within the peninsula.

"We should encourage operators to combine and offer higher quality service and more efficient fleet management," he says.

Adds Markiman: "If you divide the three main trunk routes, each could be serviced by not more than 10. So a viable number could be between 15 and 30."

Meanwhile, several different initiatives are under way: Last month Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the ministry would be holding talks with all the stakeholders, including bus and lorry companies, before coming up with a guideline.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety is also working with the CVLB on good practice guidelines.

"We have to look at both structural and management issues," explains institute director-general Professor Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi.

The management issues will be addressed by the Safety, Health and Environment code of practice which includes management responsibility as well as the management of drivers, vehicles, risk and journey, data and records.

Radin says a special paper on how "to enhance public transport in the country" will be sent to the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport.

With different guidelines issued by different agencies, a single blueprint is unlikely.

"If you ask nine regulatory bodies, you will get nine different answers," points out Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, chairman and managing director of Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB).

"It creates confusion among the operators and the government." He still hopes for a sole authority like those in neighbouring Singapore and Thailand.

Current policies appear to be "discretionary", claims Nadzmi. For example, KTB's subsidiary companies can buy 30 per cent of their fuel requirements at public transport prices but pay the commercial bulk or industrial price - which is the highest - for the rest.

"I have heard some of the other bus operators get 100 per cent of their fuel at the public transport price," says Nadzmi. "What is the basis of the decision-making? Is there a guideline?"

And relative newcomer RapidKL comes directly under the Finance Ministry, he points out.

"It has its own fare structure. It has grants, is subsidised and can import completely built-up buses without tax."

Now RapidKL is moving into Klang and Shah Alam, he notes, estimating that KTB is losing RM40,000 in revenue per day to them.

"It is not a level playing field if we are competing with the government and they are expanding at our expense."

KTB had planned to have natural gas Cityliner buses in the Klang Valley and had started with 30. "But RapidKL came in so we don't want to put in more.

"We can invest where we have certainty, ground rules and no shifting goal posts," explains the KTB chairman. "But policies are not consistent."

As a result, the company will be more conservative locally. "We will look outside the country to expand.

"We will let the dust settle here. We are not as bullish as if the rules of the game were clear."

Interesting article

The example of KL-Klang and KL-Seremban are examples, then there are the long queues of buses waiting at Puduraya and Duta and Klang terminal...

too many companies, too many buses....but not a lot of incentives to consolidate or exit the industry...not enough serious enforcement of quality or safety or labour standards.... companies can keep prices really low....even if they dont have lots of customers....

I would love to see the KL-Klang route be consolidated...or just consolidate the fare scheme...all of the bus companies charging the RapidKL fare, and using RapidKL tickets....government subsidies to meet the difference...

Cheers, m

Bus a Penang!
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Bus station in Temerloh
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Jerteh bus station by night
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The Coach to Singapore
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Japan: Kansai Airport Limousine Bus
Malaysia is investing quite heavily to advertise on the bus for Visit Malaysia year 2007. They even feature Siti Nurhaliza, in cartoon version ?
By micpohling

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Nice Thread! Love the pics!

I don't feel that the expansion of RapidKL bus services is detrimental to KTMB's business when it is already running at full capacity and cannot be as fast as buses in quite a lot of cases. It's KTMB who needs to improve its services, frequencies and quality, with a government grant if possible.

Japan: Kansai Airport Limousine Bus
Malaysia is investing quite heavily to advertise on the bus for Visit Malaysia year 2007. They even feature Siti Nurhaliza, in cartoon version ?
By micpohling

http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/5/12/11/f_07m_933c6c5.jpg

y put Siti Nurhaliza?? i dont think japanese who who she is...y dong put michelle is even better and might be the best whom is hollywood star...or may be other chinese celebrities like michael wong(2007 tourism ambadasor) or fish leong might be more well known in asia.

I don't feel that the expansion of RapidKL bus services is detrimental to KTMB's business when it is already running at full capacity and cannot be as fast as buses in quite a lot of cases. It's KTMB who needs to improve its services, frequencies and quality, with a government grant if possible.Agreed. As long as this competitive system exists, KTB should be looking at improving its position in the market by offering better services for a specific market rather than trying to compete with RapidKL.

we recognize immediately that the Aeroline, Nice, and Transnasional buses to Singapore serve completely different markets and yet they are all doing the same thing...similarly, Air Asia, Firefly, MAS, and Berjaya Air are all offering domestic service in Malaysia but they are offering distinct services.

So KTBs CItyliner #710 bus service, RapidKL's E4 Bas Ekspress, and Wawasan Sutera's #99 are all providing the KL-Klang service but they offer different services for different markets.

What the market needs is better regulation from the government. Perfect competition does not work in public transportation... especially in the bus industry.

I think that the government should have an active Public Transportation strategy. Instead of waiting for the companies to apply for permits, the government should divide the bus routes into 4 different packages.

All bus routes in Malaysia would be designated by travel type (as either "hub and spoke" or "direct route" system) and distance (divided into "short distance" and "long-distance"), creating a total of 4 types of packages.

Having these packages set up in advance would allow the companies to compete and tender for those packages.

Bigger companies like KTB might contract out some of the local services and short-distance routes to smaller private companies. Smaller private companies might look at short-distance direct routes, rather than aiming for the "profitable" mass-market routes...

everyone benefits because the bus service is kept consistent. The companies always have to watch that they maintain service quality, or the package could be taken away from them. Fares would be reasonable, because there would be ways to profit and cut costs at the same time. Bus services would be safer too. The smaller private companies would offer service on the shorter bus routes, while the long-distance routes would be with the larger companies who can afford to invest more money in improving quality and safety.

Cheers, m

https://www.aeroline.com.my/

http://www.odysseynow.com.my

SMEs:
Odyssey set to ride on KL-Singapore route
By Azlan Abu Bakar Published: 2007/12/13
BusinessTimes

The luxury liner has pumped in RM5 million into the new bus service, buying five buses from Scania and setting up lounges in Mont Kiara and in Singapore

LUXURY liner Odyssey Prestige Coaches Sdn Bhd is optimistic that it can capture a comfortable portion of the lucrative Kuala Lumpur-Singapore travel route.

The 100 per cent Bumiputera-owned firm, a new player in the local transportation industry, has gone beyond the traditional bus service by providing luxury and comfort for its passengers, mainly targeted to business travellers.

Managing director Wan Adlan Affendy Wan Abdul Rahman said Odyssey Prestige has so far pumped in about RM5 million into the new bus service, to purchase five new buses from Scania and set up lounges in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur and in Singapore.

"We will start with the five buses that we have. If the demand is great, we expect to increase the number of buses to another 20 within the next two years," he told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Wan Adlan Affendy said Odyssey Prestige aims to become a world-class customer service provider of cutting-edge, innovative and quality travel products and services.

He said its state-of-the-art buses offer more first-class air travel, including on-board wi-fi access, personal television sets, telephones, plug in for laptops, and on-board meals.

"While it may look like getting on a plane to Singapore is faster, when you add up the cost and time spent to get to the airport and taxi fares, riding on a business class coach is more convenient and cuts time," Wan Adlan Affendy said.

He said Odyssey has been created to be a luxury coach service for discerning individuals who expect nothing less than the highest standard of comfort and services during their travels.

"Our onboard crew are also trained for emergency situations and first-aid. You can be sure you are in very good hands when you are travelling with us," he said.

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I took it on 1st Dec 8am northbound to try it out. (Southbound flew back same day.) R&R 20mins at Pagoh for Northbound. Additional 5 min toilet break at another lay-by.

Water bottle is served at start of journey at Copthrone, then goes via PIE and AYE to 2nd Link. After clearing Malaysian customs, free refreshments are served consisting of apricot slices, bread, baked beans. It should be the standard breakfast fare offered by the hotel. Coffee available upon request. Toilet not available on board. Bottom deck only for luggage and a bed for those who really need to sleep. IBE consists of some average Taito arcade games and about 12 movies each of English and Chinese movies (like Jackie Chan's Plan and Qian Ji Bian), which are not exactly new but could do.

Sad thing is, they stop at Mont Kiara, which is nearer to Damansara and PJ than KL itself. I need a cab out to KL proper.

The company is currently using five units of Scania K94IB4x2 (Brazilian chassis) high decker bus bodied by SKSbus, mated with DC9 inline 6-cylinder 310bhp turbocharged engine. Nice whistle, very fast as well, the driver stays on 115km/h most of the time. Departed at 8am, arrived at 1pm exactly (5 hours) at Mont Kiara. Skipped the main throughfares of KL so journey was smooth.

Some buses in Kuala Lumpur
Picturess from flickr.com

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Idaman 25
Pictures by KonstantineChoo of ktmrailwayfan.com

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Odyssey sounds brilliant! on board wifi and laptop plugins? I'm travelling with them next time :) BTW, I like the Cityliner's colors. Makes the bus look very bright and fresh.

^^ the cityliners and intrakota pictures are very very old...they are now renamed rapidKL!

Metrobus sucks alot.. it nearly scratch my car at Jalan Bukit Bintang

^^ Metrobus is such a scar for KL and headache for authority. the company owns by some retard politicians but run by other company (alibaba-style business) and the bus drivers and ticket conductors are Indonesians...the way they drive totally 0 disipline :ohno:

btw Metrobus is doing more efficient than Rapid KL in some bus routes. Rapid KL have new bus fleets because it get financial support from government, the driver attitute is the problem they need to tackle with.

btw Metrobus is doing more efficient than Rapid KL in some bus routes. Rapid KL have new bus fleets because it get financial support from government, the driver attitute is the problem they need to tackle with.

Metrobus used to be the better bus company during the intrakota days, but it operates like ordinary profit run bus company where they stuff the bus until its full and I understand the driver gets bonus if he gets alot of passengers.

btw Metrobus is doing more efficient than Rapid KL in some bus routes. Rapid KL have new bus fleets because it get financial support from government, the driver attitute is the problem they need to tackle with.

what do you mean by 'efficient'. they don't even have time schedule!....you can see they are the biggest diesel polluter in chinatown/pudu area...:ohno:

what do you mean by 'efficient'. they don't even have time schedule!....you can see they are the biggest diesel polluter in chinatown/pudu area...:ohno:

forrestcat means the route...may be he/she mean need no change bus to a destination...

rapidkl nowaday schedule also not consistent...

for the case of diesel polluter, all the same including selangor bus, permata kiara, len seng, rapid kl, and others bus company

so far only Metrobus loves parking their buses with engine left running along the street. that's is what i meant by 'biggest air polluter'

what to do? DBKL/LPKP/JPJ/DPRM not taking any action

so far only Metrobus loves parking their buses with engine left running along the street. that's is what i meant by 'biggest air polluter'

I have no idea to justify whether Metrobus is the so called "biggest air polluter". And I believe Metrobus drivers are commission based thats why they try to get as many as passengers they can. The other way round happens to Rapid KL, some bus drivers not even bother to pick passenger at some bus stops. I also have such experience that the driver just ask all passengers go into the bus without any ticket, so we all ride on free :nuts:

When will we see all the city buses upgraded to be air-conditioned and M'sia switch to all unleaded petrol and clean diesel? It is a shame if we no improvements in 2020.

The Len Seng and Metrobus company should be absorb into RapidKL and should have their licences renew.This option will eliminate those irresponsible drivers of Len Seng and Metrobus.(Their driving habits and attitude create a lot of inconveniece to other motorists, you all must aware how they drive) and one entity can be controlled and quality can be observe to provide public transportation.Why government or JPJ allowed those companies blantant disregard to rules?You all must read the RapidPenang complaints on paper.Just ban them from the road.

by ankit_technomind

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Some Rapid KL buses already equipped with panel tv
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/40/1612071230eu3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Star Online > Nation

Monday December 24, 2007



Express bus rams and kills mechanic fixing stalled car
BY SARBAN SINGH
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

SEREMBAN: A driver whose car had stalled and a mechanic summoned to check his vehicle were killed when an express bus ploughed into them at the 263rd kilometre of the North-South Expressway near here, yesterday.

Mohd Hanif Mohd Noor, 29, from Kg Air Tawar in Merlimau, Malacca, was driving to Bandar Baru Bangi with his mother and two younger siblings to visit a sister when his car broke down.

Mechanic Palaneysamy Ratnam, 26, from Taman Mambau Jaya, near here, had arrived to check the car parked on the emergency lane.

However, as both stood on the driver’s side of the car to check the engine, the express bus which had just entered the highway hit them, killing both instantly. They were flung some 30m from the car.

“The bus just came out of nowhere and hit my brother and the mechanic,” Mohd Hanif’s sister, Siti Aishah, 15, said.

The bus driver said the two appeared suddenly from the front of the car.

None of the bus’ 40 passengers was injured. They were taken to their destination in another bus.

The bus driver, who went to the district police station to lodge a report, has been detained to facilitate investigations. The accident caused a traffic snarl for several kilometres on both sides of the highway.

Some Rapid KL buses already equipped with panel tv
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/40/1612071230eu3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Goodness. I hope they turn the volume off! Noise polution.
I go to Shanghai yearly, and almost ALL their buses, taxies are equiped with SOME form of tv type system. And the noise pollution is ENDLESS! You can't imagine how much added stress one gets from unending talk/ads. Peace and quiet..........ahhh.....would be preferable.

A convenient stop for everyone
Monday December 31, 2007
By JADE CHAN
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/12/31/central/m_02tickets.jpg

Tickets please: Iwan Gerber (left) and Irsyad Izmi hand over their tickets to
an Aeroline staff member for inspection before they board their coach to
Penang at Aeroline's 1 Utama terminal.

Travelling gets easier with 1 Utama Shopping Centre’s latest role as a transportation hub for the surrounding community.

COUSINS Iwan Gerber and Irsyad Izmi, both 15, boarded the yellow and silver Aeroline coach at its 1 Utama terminal excitedly as they looked forward to their trip to visit their aunt in Penang.

“They are excited about the ride since it's a double-decker bus,' said Iwan's mother Roziah Ghani, a 54-year-old consultant.

Roziah said her mother tried the Aeroline's service first, and recommended it to the whole family as the staff were really helpful, and took care of her bags and welfare throughout the journey.

“She said it was a very comfortable and safe journey, and was surprised when food and water was served onboard.

“Several relatives who've subsequently travelled via Aeroline en-joyed its good service and favoured it for its location near their homes in PJ.”

“We used to travel to Penang by plane, but after this we'll definitely continue using Aeroline's service.”


http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/12/31/central/m_02passengers.jpg

A good move: 1 Utama Shopping Centre with some of the services that are
already in operation such as Aeroline coaches to Penang and Singapore,
and Genting Express busses to Genting.


Interior designer Seri Rosmiyati, 30, found out about Aeroline's service through one of its billboard advertisements.

She decided to give it a try as it was a newer bus service, which she thinks would provide better facilities.

“The 1 Utama terminal is nearer to my home in Subang Jaya. I'm taking the Aeroline coach for the first time to go to Penang, and if today's journey is satisfactory, then I'll continue using it. ”

Jaclyn Low and her family have tried the Aeroline and First Coach services a few times, and favour them because of the locations of the bus terminals (at 1 Utama and IBM Tower respectively).

“Both buses have very comfortable seats and the journeys are quite smooth,” said the 39-year-old PR manager.

“My only complaint is that there aren't enough directional signs to direct us to the bus terminals. My son nearly missed his bus to Penang as we couldn't find the terminal.”

Well-known shopping centre 1 Utama Shopping Centre has decided to enhance its role in the community by developing its own transportation hub, which comprises coaches, busses and shuttle terminals.

Services like Rapid KL, Aeroline, First Coach, Genting Express, Pem-pena Executive Taxi Service and 1 Utama personal shuttle and coach services link 1 Utama, One World Hotel and its adjacent office towers (IBM and KPMG Towers) to LRT stations, bus stops, major townships, several hotels, and places like Pe-nang, Singapore and Genting.

“A master plan is underway to incorporate an LRT station here, and we're looking into adding more inter-state routes to Ipoh, Kuantan and Johor Bahru soon,” said Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd operations manager Anderson Chong.

“The transportation hub services the Bandar Utama township and its surrounding areas. The idea is to create a contained, liveable township with convenient services for the people.

“Besides bringing added value to the community in the area, it's critical for the growth of Bandar Utama to attract more international tour-ists, expatriates and businesses to live, work and play within the township, in line with the plan to designate Bandar Utama and the surrounding neighbourhoods as an International and Tourism Zone in Selangor.”

Chong said plans that are in the pipeline include building several office blocks and condominiums, a medical centre and a retirement village.

On how to access the bus terminals, he said most people are dropped off at the terminals, which provide waiting lounges for customers.

“1 Utama also provides a 'Park & Ride' service, where members of the public can park their vehicles at the shopping centre's Dataran Car Park and take public transport to their work or leisure destination.

'Park & Ride' aims to encourage residents from Bandar Utama and the surrounding neighbourhoods to utilise public transport in view of easing traffic congestion and reducing pollution.

A 'Park & Ride' Dataran Car Park access card costs RM20 a month. Parking is only for Mon to Fri, excluding public holidays. Overnight parking is permitted except on Friday.

Aeroline First Class Shuttle Sdn Bhd CEO Law Cheok Gheem said the company was approached by the 1 Utama management to open a bus terminal at the shopping centre, and they were quite receptive to the idea as it was a good location and a meeting point for many residential areas within the PJ neighbourhood.

“We offer a convenient alternative for customers to travel in comfort and convenience; they don't have to go all the way to KL to take a bus or a plane at KLIA. Our idea is to offer a viable way of travelling long distance,” he said.

“We have four terminals in the Klang Valley area - at Corus Hotel, Menara Axis, Sunway Pyramid and 1 Utama. Only the 1 Utama terminal, which opened in Oct 2006, offers coach services to Penang and Singa-pore; the others are just to Singa-pore.

“The majority of Aeroline's coaches are double decker busses. Pas-sengers sit on the upper deck. The lower deck offers a business lounge where customers can have meetings, work from their laptops, watch movies or browse through the available reading materials.

“Our lower deck also has a toilet and pantry for our staff to prepare the meals and drinks served on-board the coach.”

Law added that customers could purchase tickets, choose their seats, change travel dates, and state their vegetarian preferences via Aeroline's online booking.

Aeroline offers four trips daily from 1 Utama to Singapore, and one trip daily from 1 Utama to Penang.

Just one week ago, Genting open-ed its sixth Genting Express bus terminal located at 1 Utama. The other terminals are located at Puduraya, KL Sentral, Gombak, Pasar Rakyat and Hentian Kajang.

“The idea for the terminal was a mutual understanding between the 1 Utama and Genting management,” said Resorts World Bhd transport vice president Desmond Tan.

“We wanted to provide visitors good accessibility to Genting at affordable rates, and this terminal caters to those staying within the 1 Utama vicinity, like Kota Damansara, Damansara Jaya, TTDI and Kepong.

“We distributed 130,000 leaflets to residents around the area to inform them about our latest service, and the general feedback for the 1 Utama terminal is good as there have been consistent enquiries,” said Tan.

“To mark the opening, we're having a Buy One, Free One promotion and an RM38 nett Introductory Offer. With the promotion, customers have to cut out the coupon from the leaflet, and redeem another ticket free when they buy one ticket for an adult.

“The offer covers a return bus and skyway transfer, and one Genting All Park Unlimited Rides Pass or buffet lunch at Coffee Terrace. The Buy One Free One promotion ends Jan 31, 2008 while the introductory offer ends Mar 31, 2008.

“We're expecting a lot of people to use this service to go to Genting as it saves a lot of time and money, and helps in terms of convenience, like not having to endure traffic congestion in KL.”

Genting Express offers 15 trips daily from 1 Utama to the Genting Skyway (Lower Station, B4).

so far only Metrobus loves parking their buses with engine left running along the street. that's is what i meant by 'biggest air polluter'


Ish..i hate Metrobus, they are the biggest polluter of KL's clean air esp around Chinatown, which is one of KL most important tourist spot, Metrobus is a needle in our flesh! And none of the authorities take action on them! I wonder how many decision makers take public transport often? No wonder the usage rate of public transport is still so low! ish!

Ish..i hate Metrobus, they are the biggest polluter of KL's clean air esp around Chinatown, which is one of KL most important tourist spot, Metrobus is a needle in our flesh! And none of the authorities take action on them! I wonder how many decision makers take public transport often? No wonder the usage rate of public transport is still so low! ish!

The decision makers don't take public transport that's why they don't understand the commuters frustrations and problems. Talking about metrobus, just hearing the conductor shouting KLKLKLKL all day long is annoying enough already. Their drivers also drive like maniacs.
Why are they still allowed to operate? All corruption

Today I saw two RapidKL buses along Jalan Ampang packed with people and people hanging by the doors which are left open Drivers should not do this!!! bAHAYA!! It was like a scene in some god forsaken poor country!!

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by Peter2222

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LCCT

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by AndyLawson

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some metrobus conductor and drivers are PATI...no wonder they brought up their culture and social stigma here in malaysia inside our buses..lol

What about those skybus and aerobus workers shouting for customers at the bottom of the stairs at KL sentral all day long. So freaking noisy. It's like a fish market. Gives KL a low class image.

Firm launches its first double-decker bus
Thursday March 20, 2008
By HAMDAN
TheStar

http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/3/20/southneast/p2bus.jpg

New feeling: Markiman (left) cutting the ribbon to launch the company’s
first double-decker bus while Azman looks on in Johor Baru recently.

MUAR: From a humble two-bus company in 1993, Mayang Sari Express today boasts 90 buses, including its first double-decker bus to ply the route between Johor and Kuala Lumpur.

The express bus service, operated by Aerosystem Travel and Tour Sdn Bhd, plans to increase the buses to 100 by the end of the year, said Mayang Sari Express managing director Azman Mohd Arof.

He said the company began with the Muar-Johor Baru-Kota Tinggi route in 1993 using only two buses and applied for additional permits during festive seasons to cater for increasing passengers.

“We began small with only two management staff who were the shareholders.

“ It was not easy for a small company to compete with bus companies which had been in service a lot longer,” he said at the launch of Mayang Sari's first double-decker bus by Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran here on Monday.

He said the double-decker bus costing RM700,000 was the first to operate in Johor and plied the Muar-Kuala Lumpur route, but would cover other routes when necessary.

He said the fare for the double-decker bus was the same as single-decker buses and commuters would experience a new feeling when travelling on the bus.

Markiman said it took Mayang Sari 15 years to become a major bus company and hoped other bus firms would look at it as a model.

Did anyone catch the 360 program on TV3 last night?

There was some discussion of commuting but I only caught 20 minutes, missed the 1st segment.

The 2nd segment was about public transport...the general comments (so I gathered) was that public transport is cheaper and safer and more convenient and less stressful than the drive and park).

If anyone else has some info, please let me know.

Cheers, m

Tansnasional
by Swing And Potato

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2386477225_cb45e9a9a0_o.jpg

i wonder KL have minibuses like before 1998, that pink color 1...

actually KL should run mini bus in city center, and regional lines (tempatan). There is too much of big buses in city center... ><

the minibuses routes and schedules should be designated by Ministry of Transport, then open tender the minibus license to whoever qualified. All the minibus fare are fixed and capable of using TnG system. err... *><* new minibuses should run by NGV engines~, to reduce the air pollution in KL. (Modelled after Hong Kong Green Public Light Bus Service?)

this is KL pink minibus... i only ride it for once when i am still a child.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_jTQNmLGBIFU/RyX5NjbdazI/AAAAAAAABPA/5QSlAHlIBro/s400/minibas2.jpg

actually too much of bus stop city center is quite an eyesore... sometimes it is longer than a train. making traffic congestion more terrible only. especially metrobus and sj bus.

Bus In Malaysia (Durian Burung)

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Air Bus

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Transnasional

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Mara Liner

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Memory

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Delima Ekspres

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Plusliner

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Grassland,Super Nice

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Haider

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Bas persiaran

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Panorama Melaka

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Melaka Double Decker

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Sky Bus

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Five Stars

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Malacca Singapore Express

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S&S International

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KKKL

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Causeway Link, JB

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Causeway Link Express

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Johor Super

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Bas Persiaran

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Transtar

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Platinum Cruiser

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by Kembara_Lori_Malaysia (http://flickr.com/photos/25841565@N08/page6/)
Allsan

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Transtar

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Unit Internet Bergerak

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Mara

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i wonder KL have minibuses like before 1998, that pink color 1...

actually KL should run mini bus in city center, and regional lines (tempatan). There is too much of big buses in city center... ><

the minibuses routes and schedules should be designated by Ministry of Transport, then open tender the minibus license to whoever qualified. All the minibus fare are fixed and capable of using TnG system. err... *><* new minibuses should run by NGV engines~, to reduce the air pollution in KL. (Modelled after Hong Kong Green Public Light Bus Service?)

this is KL pink minibus... i only ride it for once when i am still a child.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_jTQNmLGBIFU/RyX5NjbdazI/AAAAAAAABPA/5QSlAHlIBro/s400/minibas2.jpg

actually too much of bus stop city center is quite an eyesore... sometimes it is longer than a train. making traffic congestion more terrible only. especially metrobus and sj bus.KL could bring in the same minibuses used in Penang.

by eastglam

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2419492887_540500bc9e_b.jpg

They could be used as minibuses (government-owned routes and buses) following the model of the HK Green minibus.
http://www.hongkongextras.com/resources/_wsb_512x375_Green+Minibus3.jpg

They could also be used as maxicabs (government-owned routes of limited distances, with some flexibility, and the buses are still owned by the government) following the example of the HK Red minibus.
http://www.islandspics.com/webpage/thumb/163/t163184.jpg

Only the Government minibuses and government owned bus companies should be allowed into the city centre of KL. Other buses should be made to wait outside the MRRI.

Cheers, m

Free bus rides for the poor
By TAN KARR WEI


THERE will be a free community bus service for poor residents in Petaling Jaya starting on June 3, said mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.

“We are targeting poorer areas in the city. The bus is more for senior citizens and housewives who need to do their marketing or run errands. The bus will even pass by University Hospital,” said Roslan.

The bus service will start from the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) in SS8, Kelana Jaya, and go to areas like PJS6, PJS2, Jalan 12, Jalan 1/1, PJS 3, PJS 1, Jalan Templer, Jalan Othman, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Jalan Gasing, Jalan Universiti, Section 19/8, SS2, SS4A/1, SS6/3, SS5/1 and back onto the LDP, completing a circular route.

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) bought a new bus, which seats about 30 for RM200,000 and refurbished another at a cost of about RM100,000.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/3/central/p3Anthony.jpg
A little help: Persatuan Mobiliti Selantor & Kuala Lumpur president Anthony Arokia trying the hydraulic lift to get onto the transit van.

The bus service will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm, from Monday to Friday.

MBPJ will also provide a transit service for disabled people.

A van fitted with a hydraulic lift will ferry them from their doorstep to their destination.

MBPJ LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan said for now, the service was by appointment, as there was only one van available.

The van can ferry two wheelchair-bound persons at a time and four if the wheelchairs can be folded.

The service is also available from 9.30am to 4.30 pm and those interested in using the service can call 03-7956 3544 (ext 351 and 370).

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/3/central/p3Roslan.jpg
For those in need: Roslan (right) and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee checking out the new bus.

“We hope that companies will come forward to sponsor more buses and vans or the maintenance costs to run these services,” said Roslan.

The trial run of the bus service will start in the middle of May and public feedback is welcomed and can be forwarded to LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan lee@mbpj.gov.my, acting engineering director Ismail Shafie ismail@mbpj.gov.my or public relations officer Zainun Zakaria zainun@mbpj.gov.my

Free bus rides for the poor
By TAN KARR WEI


THERE will be a free community bus service for poor residents in Petaling Jaya starting on June 3, said mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.

“We are targeting poorer areas in the city. The bus is more for senior citizens and housewives who need to do their marketing or run errands. The bus will even pass by University Hospital,” said Roslan.Right idea :banana:
wrong headline :bash:

Cheers, m

how will they determine someone is poor or not..? RM1 is affordable enough even for burmese standard....(i guess)

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/5/18/nation/21291767&sec=nation

Bus company defies directive


KUALA LUMPUR: Three days after bus company Syarikat Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semananjung Bhd was grounded, at least two of its vehicles were seen operating at the Puduraya bus station here.

Oblivious passengers were seen boarding the buses to Taiping and Ipoh. The commuters said they were not aware that the bus company had been grounded for a month from Wednesday because their vehicles had been involved in a number of road accidents.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said he had instructed the Road Transport Department to seize any of the buses that operated in defiance of the suspension of the company's 232 buses.

“We will not compromise on this,” he said.

On Friday, the department impounded two more buses belonging to the company as they were still in service.

JPJ Director of Enforcement Salim Parlan told Bernama the department had earlier impounded three buses in Johor, Kedah and Malacca.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said the bus company was not one of its members but that he felt sad for the passengers.

“Employees would also suffer as it is not known if the company can afford to pay them,” he said.

Free bus service in Selangor towns
R. Anbu

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2246263/insidepix1
The TV3 team with their prizes for winning a media bowling competition. With them are state executive councillor for local government and research Ronnie Liu (second right), Selangor State Assembly speaker Teng Chang Khim (third right) and Klang Municipal Council president Mislan Tugiu (third left).

KLANG: The Selangor government, through the municipal and city councils, will provide free community bus service for the benefit of residents, especially senior citizens.

State executive councillor for local government and research Ronnie Liu said the service would be launched soon in Subang Jaya and Klang.

"The two areas will be our pilot project before other councils follow suit," he said, after a media appreciation dinner, organised by Klang Municipal Council (MPK), at the Botanic Resort Club, here, recently.

Liu said, for starters, Subang Jaya Municipal Council and MPK would be given a bus each for the service, adding that the buses were sponsored by private companies.


"We are looking into getting more sponsors to provide buses for other councils and I hope they will come forward to make this plan a success."

Liu said the plan was for each council to have two buses to serve areas in their jurisdiction.

"The service and the buses will be managed and maintained by the councils at their cost," he said, adding that it was up to each council to determine the service routes for their areas.

He said the state government had not set a deadline for the councils to start the free service in their areas of jurisdiction.

"The main purpose of this free service to provide an alternative to residents, especially senior citizens."

Earlier, the Petaling Jaya City Council launched its free bus service but it was only for the old, poor and physically-challenged.

In an another matter, Liu said to further improve efficiency, the state government was also looking into getting all councils to provide counter services on Saturdays.

"Currently, only MPK is doing so. It is high time for the other councils to do the same for benefit of ratepayers."

He said he had met with local council presidents on the matter and they had agreed to the idea.

During the dinner, Liu presented prizes to the winners of a bowling competition, organised by MPK recently.

Also present were Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, state executive councillor for education and human development Dr Halimah Ali, Selangor State Assembly speaker Teng Chang Khim, Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham Abdullah and MPK president Mislan Tugiu.

Bus operators demand incentives or higher fares


KUALA LUMPUR: Bus operators are seeking up to a 100% fare increase or incentives to help them stay afloat amid rising fuel and operation costs.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said the incentives could be increased diesel subsidies or variable fares for peak and off-peak hours.

“This is not a threat. We are struggling to survive, and need the fare increase to help us stay afloat,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

“The last fare increase was in May 2005 and diesel prices have doubled since then. Even our cost of maintenance, labour and operation has increased.

“If nothing is done soon, more bus companies will close shop, like Foh Hup Omnibus in Kajang, Chin Wah Omnibus in Port Dickson and Lian Hoe Omnibus in Muar.”

He said bus fare collection had also fallen, partly due to the issuance of many new permits, presence of touts and limitations on the lifespan of a bus.

On May 5, 2005, the diesel price was 88 sen per litre but rose to RM1.58 in 2006.

Peninsula operators are seeking increases of 48 sen to RM1 for non-express buses without air conditioning, and 70 sen to RM1.50 for those with air-conditioning, for the first 2km of the journey, he said.

He said the association was still awaiting an answer to its memorandum submitted last April.

Ashfar called for cleaner diesel and biodiesel to be supplied to prevent damage to the engine, for permits to be frozen, and for automatic fare increases every two years.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said memoranda on public transportation including taxis and school buses were at the final review stage.

.........48cents to 1.50???....wow!!!

Bas ekonomi rakyat atasi tambang naik?

KUALA LUMPUR 29 Mei - Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB) mengesyorkan agar kerajaan mewujudkan bas ekonomi rakyat tanpa melibatkan kenaikan tambang bagi membantu golongan berpendapatan rendah.

Pengerusi KTB, Datuk Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh berkata, untuk merealisasikannya, kerajaan perlu memberi subsidi diesel RM1 setiap liter seperti yang diberikan kepada nelayan.

Untuk kelas ekonomi ini, katanya, jumlah tempat duduk ditambah dari 40 kepada 50.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, untuk kelas super ekonomi, disyorkan kerajaan menaikkan tambang sebanyak 54 peratus daripada tambang sedia ada.

Bagi kelas bisnes pula, tambah beliau, kerajaan boleh menetapkan harga minimum tanpa harga siling dan tidak perlu memberi subsidi diesel kerana bas jenis ini mempunyai jumlah kerusi yang sedikit.

"Untuk koc eksekutif pula, saya cadangkan tambangnya dinaikkan kepada 54 peratus dan kadar tambang minimum ditetapkan oleh kerajaan tanpa harga maksimum dikawal," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau memberi reaksi demikian berikutan cadangan kerajaan mewujudkan dua skim iaitu tambang biasa dan tambang mewah bagi memastikan rakyat terus menikmati tambang pada kadar berpatutan.

Mohd. Nadzmi juga berharap kerajaan menaikkan tambang pengangkutan awam termasuk bas dengan seberapa segera sebelum masalah lebih besar dihadapi oleh industri tersebut.

Menurut beliau, KTB sendiri telah mengalami kerugian RM35 juta tahun lalu akibat kenaikan diesel dan RM7 juta bagi suku pertama tahun ini.

Mohd. Nadzmi juga mengesyorkan agar kerajaan mewujudkan formula kenaikan tambang supaya pengguna tidak tertekan dan syarikat pengangkutan awam dapat menyeimbangkan kos.

Beliau juga memberi contoh seperti Singapura yang menaikkan tambang pengangkutan awam pada kadar dua hingga tiga peratus setiap tahun sementara Australia setiap enam bulan mengikut kenaikan harga minyak semasa.

Sementara itu, Persatuan Pengusaha-Pengusaha Bas SeMalaysia (PMBOA) khuatir sebanyak 111 syarikat akan gulung tikar, satu demi satu sekiranya kerajaan tidak membantu memenuhi cadangan kenaikan kadar tambang yang terkandung dalam memorandum yang diserahkan 10 April lalu.

Presiden PMBOA, Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali berkata, sehingga hari ini memorandum yang diserahkan kepada Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar pada tarikh tersebut tidak dijawab.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya masih menunggu jawapan positif daripada kerajaan sehingga hujung Jun ini, walaupun orang ramai membantah cadangan kenaikan tambang 100 peratus untuk bas ekspres, bas mini dan bas henti-henti.

"Saya khuatir sekiranya kerajaan tidak berbuat apa-apa mengenai cadangan kami itu, syarikat bas akan menghentikan perkhidmatan satu demi satu kerana sudah tidak mampu lagi untuk menanggung kos operasi yang kian meningkat,'' katanya.

Setakat ini katanya, enam syarikat bas telah menghentikan perkhidmatan termasuk di Pulau Pinang, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Perak dan Johor.

^^ brilliant idea !

Bas ekonomi rakyat, i like that idea, but how does that fit inside Klang Valley bus system and will it have at least...........air conditioning?

Bas ekonomi rakyat, i like that idea, but how does that fit inside Klang Valley bus system and will it have at least...........air conditioning?

And drivers who only sleep 2 hours a day and on drugs.

this is a good one....
__________________________________________
Malaysiakini
Jonathan Siao | May 30, 08 4:35pm

I refer to the Malaysiakini report Najib: RapidKL subsidies to be withdrawn.

The purpose of a subsidy is to support a firm or an industry that would otherwise fail without the subsidy. It is also used to encourage an activity (the utilisation of public transportation in this case) that would not take place or occur less should the subsidy not be given out.

In the case of Rapid KL, if its subsidies were to be removed, Rapid KL would fail as a provider of public transportation as a service (not a business). A bus service is one that has a strict schedule to follow regardless of the number of people in the bus.

The minute the government takes away the subsidy, Rapid KL will not vanish but it will simply move to operate like a business where profits are prized. This is because businesses or firms practice an economic theory called profit maximisation. It is a process where the company itself determines the level of price and output to achieve optimum profit.

Rapid KL will be forced to alter its business practices with profitability as their number one priority. The following are the consequences:

Busses will not run as frequently during non-rush hour periods.


Busses will wait until they are filled with passengers before leaving from the terminal in order to ensure that maximum amount of income is generated for each trip.


Unprofitable bus routes will be scrapped.


Busses may be maintained to the level just so the doors can open and close and engine may run.
With competitiveness in mind, one might argue that should one bus operator choose to delay services and increase interval times, people may opt to choose for another bus operator. Hence, the free market will sort itself out and it will be the survival of the fittest.

However, what if all bus operators are forced to conduct such practices because the volume of passengers during non-rush hour periods simply does not suffice? The only people that lose out are consumers who will be forced to take taxis in order to be punctual. Should the individual not be able to afford a taxi, there will be an inevitable opportunity cost to time spent waiting for the bus.

I agree that competitiveness and the survival of other non-government assisted firms is essential in an economy. However, competitiveness and the survival of certain bus operators should not be prized over the well-being of the people. The sole purpose of the government is to ensure that the welfare of the people are safeguarded.

What if TNB was not government-regulated and run autonomously by a private firm from the start? The potential profits of selling electricity to rural areas would not justify the cost of erecting a national grid to those areas. Hence, part of the country might not have electricity!

I suggest that subsidies be reduced to the point slightly below that of where Rapid KL is able to maintain their frequent trips and comfortable buses. This will push Rapid KL to become more efficient and competitive and I genuinely believe that they will be able to do away with the subsidy in time. In addition, the money potentially saved from one submarine or one fighter jet could be used to subsidise other bus operators.

Najib has asserted that it is not fair to use taxpayers' money to subsidise Rapid KL and that there is a 'moral principle'. One of the purposes of the government is to redistribute income in an equitable manner. If the Rapid KL subsidy is maintained, low-income earners who depend on busses for transportation will benefit as busses will be clean, well-maintained and on time.

'Not fair to use tax payers' money' and 'moral principle' sound like a more adequate phrases for the purchase of submarines and jet planes with subsequent 'commissions' to supposed 'deal- brokers'.

In my opinion, Najib should attempt to step out of his black Perdana with tinted windows and police escort and go about his daily errands utilising the private bus operator services.

I commuted using the bus to school until I finished Form 5 less than three years ago before the new Rapid KL busses were put into service and prior to the new schedule being implemented. I must say, those rainy days waiting for the bus weren't very pleasant.

this is a good one....
__________________________________________
Malaysiakini
Jonathan Siao | May 30, 08 4:35pm

I suggest that subsidies be reduced to the point slightly below that of where Rapid KL is able to maintain their frequent trips and comfortable buses. This will push Rapid KL to become more efficient and competitive and I genuinely believe that they will be able to do away with the subsidy in time. In addition, the money potentially saved from one submarine or one fighter jet could be used to subsidise other bus operators.


no relation to current topic but i think opposition parties should stop with the thinking buying submarines and jet fighters "a waste of money".

no relation to current topic but i think opposition parties should stop with the thinking buying submarines and jet fighters "a waste of money".

Why do think so Erwin? Do u think that, given all other options and alternatives, the government had made a good deal purchasing all submarines and fighter jets? Pray tell why you don't agree with the opposition?


Regarding the removal of subsidy to Rapid KL bus, I have a feeling that the government is just punishing the rakyat in KL and Selangor for overwhelmingly voting in Opposition. This government always turn around from their pledges and promises whenever they like, and it is getting very tiresome. Many Malaysian buses have been notoriously dirty and undermaintained for the longest time in most cities and towns due to a lack of good government subsidies. Operators are only interested in making money, and although the fares are kept low, buses are usually in horrible conditions. When we all think that the government had finally done the right thing by initiating Rapid KL, this turn-around action to remove subsidy only serves to bring down Rapid KL as viable and clean means to travel. The government argues, "It is not fair to subsidise Rapid KL while other bus companies are struggling". BS!! This argument holds no water. If the government is keen to improving public transportation in KL, or anywhere else, then it should SUBSIDISE EVERY SINGLE PUBLIC BUS COMPANY! Some of you may ask,"Where does the government get all that money?" Well, stop pumping money into useless projects like "elevated highway from KL to Putrajaya" or "Putrajaya Monorail" or "Corridors" etc etc. I'm sure the government would have tons of money then to improve BASIC BUS SERVICES IN CITIES.

Why do think so Erwin? Do u think that, given all other options and alternatives, the government had made a good deal purchasing all submarines and fighter jets? Pray tell why you don't agree with the opposition?


Regarding the removal of subsidy to Rapid KL bus, I have a feeling that the government is just punishing the rakyat in KL and Selangor for overwhelmingly voting in Opposition. This government always turn around from their pledges and promises whenever they like, and it is getting very tiresome. Many Malaysian buses have been notoriously dirty and undermaintained for the longest time in most cities and towns due to a lack of good government subsidies. Operators are only interested in making money, and although the fares are kept low, buses are usually in horrible conditions. When we all think that the government had finally done the right thing by initiating Rapid KL, this turn-around action to remove subsidy only serves to bring down Rapid KL as viable and clean means to travel. The government argues, "It is not fair to subsidise Rapid KL while other bus companies are struggling". BS!! This argument holds no water. If the government is keen to improving public transportation in KL, or anywhere else, then it should SUBSIDISE EVERY SINGLE PUBLIC BUS COMPANY! Some of you may ask,"Where does the government get all that money?" Well, stop pumping money into useless projects like "elevated highway from KL to Putrajaya" or "Putrajaya Monorail" or "Corridors" etc etc. I'm sure the government would have tons of money then to improve BASIC BUS SERVICES IN CITIES.

i agree w/ PR MPs notion that we need more transparency in purchasing military assets for Malaysia's finest. I agree w/ them the government could get a better deal on purchasing assets like M4 carbine for our army, Patrol Boats for our Navy, Helicopters for our Air force and sig sauer for our police.

what i don't agree w/ them is the idea that we don't need the latest jet fighters, frigates, destroyers, submarines, to protect our borders cause they cost too much. national security is as important as political stability, business friendly environment and world class infrastructure. if law and order and security can't be maintained, there won't be political stability, business-friendly environment and world class infra.

i agree w/ PR MPs notion that we need more transparency in purchasing military assets for Malaysia's finest. I agree w/ them the government could get a better deal on purchasing assets like M4 carbine for our army, Patrol Boats for our Navy, Helicopters for our Air force and sig sauer for our police.

what i don't agree w/ them is the idea that we don't need the latest jet fighters, frigates, destroyers, submarines, to protect our borders cause they cost too much. national security is as important as political stability, business friendly environment and world class infrastructure. if law and order and security can't be maintained, there won't be political stability, business-friendly environment and world class infra.


OK gotcha Erwin. :)

Noh: Public transport operators need not fret


SHAH ALAM: Public transport operators must not increase their fares as the sector is not affected by the latest fuel price increase.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said all public transport vehicles were issued with fleet cards and the subsidised price of diesel under the system remained at RM1.43 per litre.

As for taxis, he said operators who did not use the fleet card ran on NGV, which was also not affected by the latest review.

“Thus there is absolutely no reason for public transport operators to increase their fares,” he said on the sidelines of the Umno supreme council retreat here yesterday.

Noh, however, said the public should prepare themselves for higher public transport fares soon because the current fare structure was undergoing a review.

“The Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation has also agreed in principle to review road tax, toll rates and excise tax for the sector,” he added.

Bus services may grind to a halt when quota runs out


PETALING JAYA: Stage and express buses may stop running in the last week of every month if operators do not receive more subsidised diesel supply under the fleet card system.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said although the system entitled them to diesel at RM1.43 a litre, supply was not enough.

“The amount we get is enough for about 70% of our operations. Unless we get at least 30% more, we are in trouble,” he told The Star.

Ashfar said operators used to absorb the price difference when the pump price was RM1.58 a litre but could not manage now that the price was increased to RM2.58 yesterday.

“My members are saying that when they run out of the diesel quota, they will stop operating until they receive the quota for the following month,” he said.

Ashfar added that bus companies also faced problems with some oil companies over the fleet card system as the rebate was not given instantly to operators, with some taking up to a month to do it.

Under the fleet card system, operators have the option of having post-paid or pre-paid accounts with oil companies.

On the seat belt ruling for bus passengers, he said operators were willing to absorb the cost of installing the belts but the Government had to provide the belts.

A check at Puduraya bus terminal revealed that some bus companies had raised fares by RM10.

According to a ticket seller who wished to remain anonymous, the company was charging more because of higher costs.

“Fuel prices should be the last thing to be raised. Now we are struggling to get by,” he said.

N. Mahalecumy, 21, a student, was shocked when the bus company she always travelled with increased the fare to Ipoh from RM13 to RM25.

When she refused to pay that price, the bus operator relented and sold her the ticket for RM14.

But there was a catch - she had to wait four hours for her bus to depart.

wahai encik Noh Omar, boss nko naik harga minya. lepas tu nko tak kasik bus operator naik tambang...nko ingat bas tu bergerak pakai air ke..? cubalah pakai otak sikit...

does government(DBKL) has any plan to force the usage of NGV buses? it is good to reduce pollution in KL...

allurban, hopefully you can push government over this NGV buses whenever you have a discussion with them...plz...

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/2260132/Article/index_html

According from this, Rapid Penang CEO said that, they are not going to increase their fares for now...

But in future, I hope government announce some concrete plans on public transport, we all getting bored with the word "we are going to improve...." and nothing, haha....

Tiket bas naik RM5 hingga RM10
Harga barangan lain ‘tunggu giliran’ naik dalam masa terdekat


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0607/Kosmo/Negara/ne_01.1.jpg

JUALAN tiket bas ekspres di Terminal Shahab Perdana di Alor Star, Kedah juga dinaikkan semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


KUALA LUMPUR – Belum sempat tiga hari selepas pengumuman kenaikan harga petrol dan diesel, kebanyakan syarikat bas ekspres sudah ‘pandai-pandai’ menaikkan harga tiket dari RM5 hingga RM10.

Tinjauan Kosmo! di Puduraya di sini dan Terminal Shahab Perdana di Alor Star, Kedah semalam mendapati ada pengusaha bas ekspres mengambil kesempatan memenaikkan harga tiket atas alasan kenaikan harga bahan api itu.

Malah tindakan mereka itu dianggap sudah mendahului keputusan persatuan dan tanpa restu agensi kerajaan terlibat.

Jualan harga tiket yang melebihi antara RM5 dan RM10 itu dikesan untuk ke destinasi tumpuan iaitu dari negeri utara ke Lembah Klang terutama Kuala Lumpur cukup merungsingkan pengguna.

Seperti contoh, harga tiket bas ekspres dari kedua-dua hala itu biasanya dijual RM30 dinaikkan sehingga RM40 tetapi ada sesetengah pengusaha yang menaikkan sebanyak RM35.

Seperti contoh, bagi destinasi dari Alor Star ke Kajang, Selangor yang dahulunya RM35 dinaikkan kepada RM40 yang mula dikuatkuasakan serta-merta semalam.

Bagaimanapun tiket bas ekspres yang tidak terlalu menjadi tumpuan pengguna seperti ke Johor Bahru tidak pula dinaikkan dan kekal pada harga lama iaitu RM55.

Seorang pegawai pemasaran, Anita Adlin, 28, memberitahu, dia terkejut apabila mengetahui harga tiket dari Alor Star ke Kuala Lumpur naik sampai RM10.

“Biasa RM30 saja, bila jurujual kata naik RM10, saya teragak-agak nak bayar, susah la macam ni kalau semua benda naik harga lepas harga minyak naik,” jelasnya.

Bagi seorang lagi pembeli, Rozlan Razlan, 30, harga tiket bas yang naik itu cukup membebankan memandangkan dia selalu berulang-alik dari Kedah ke ibu kota.

“Isteri saya tinggal di Kuala Lumpur, saya kerja di sini, kalau tiap-tiap minggu berulang-alik dengan harga tiket bas RM40 susahlah saya, harga barang naik, gaji tak naik,” ujarnya bekerja swasta.

Seorang jurujual tiket di terminal itu, Rizal Salleh, 25, mengaku, tambang bas ekspres naik sesuatu yang tidak dapat dielakkan.

“Kalau tambang tak naik, kami akan rugi, setakat ini kami hanya naikkan tiket bagi laluan yang menjadi tumpuan seperti Kuala Lumpur sahaja,” jelasnya.

Bagi seorang lagi penjual tiket bas ekspres, Rahim Amar, 27, walaupun ramai pembeli merungut tetapi mereka tiada pilihan.

“Bas guna minyak, kalau harga minyak naik, tiket perlu naik untuk elak kerugian,” katanya.

Selain harga tiket bas ekspres, beberapa barangan lain juga mendapat tempias yang sama.

Di PAHANG, harga ayam sudah mula naik antara 20 hingga 40 sen.

Ayam standard dengan kepala, kaki dan hempedal, dijual RM6.20 hingga RM6.40 sekilogram melebihi RM6 bagi harga siling sebelum ini.

Di SEREMBAN, majoriti peniaga hanya menunggu saat dan ketika sahaja untuk menaikkan harga barang.

Rata-rata mereka beranggapan sekiranya menaikkan harga, mereka terpaksa mengikut rentak yang sama.

Di JOHOR BAHRU, harga barang basah di beberapa pasar di daerah ini dijangka naik mulai minggu depan.

Ia berdasarkan tinjauan Kosmo! semalam yang mendapati para peniaga mengeluh berikutan segelintir pembekal telah menguar-uarkan akan menaikkan harga barangan jualan mereka.

Peniaga daging di Pasar Larkin, Yousof Jantan, 54, berkata, harga daging terutamanya daging sejuk beku dijangka akan naik mulai minggu depan.

Naik tambang, permit 7 bas disita

Oleh MAZLINA ABDUL MAJID
dan MAYA SUSANTI ZULHIMSAR
berita@kosmo.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR – Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) telah bertindak menyita tujuh permit dari enam syarikat bas ekspres di Terminal Bas Larkin, Johor Bharu dalam operasi membendung kenaikan harga tiket semalam.

Pengarah LPKP, Naimah Ramly berkata, tindakan tegas tersebut diambil berikutan pengusaha terbabit menaikkan tambang antara RM60 hingga RM65 untuk perjalanan dari Johor Bahru ke Kuala Lumpur berbanding RM25 kadar biasa.
Malah menurutnya, LPKP akan menggerakkan lebih ramai anggota untuk menyamar sebagai penumpang di terminal bas di seluruh negara.


wow dari rm25 kepada rm60/rm65??? naik 140 to 160%....gila duh!!!!

they should take some actions on them...not to mention bout the increasing of fuel price. Normal public holiday, like chinese ching meng festival ( i dont think it is a public holiday ), they can simply increase the price....bus ticket which is Rm50 from JB to PG will cost RM70 by that time...not to mention bout chinese new year...the price is always over 100...take air asia back to penang will only cost Rm47....they r really ridiculous..

Fares must still go up, insist bus operators
By TEH ENG HOCK


PETALING JAYA: Bus operators still want an increase in fares despite enjoying subsidised diesel through the fleet card system.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) president Datuk Ashfar Ali said diesel was only a small aspect of their operations and they would continue to ask for a fare increase of up to 100%.

“It costs more to rent bays and ticket counters at bus terminals, while the cost of batteries, lubricants, tyres and spare parts have also gone up,” he told The Star.

On Friday, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran announced that the subsidised diesel quota under the fleet card system had been increased.

This means that school bus, express bus and stage bus operators enjoy diesel at a rate of RM1.43 a litre, compared to the pump price of RM2.58.

Previously, Ashfar said the quota given was only about 70% of their monthly usage.

“We have asked for a fare increase even before the fuel price was raised. We used to enjoy diesel at RM1.43, and now we still get diesel at RM1.43.

“Nothing has changed. Everything is back to status quo. We still need a fare increase,” he said.

Federation of School Bus Operators Associations president Chee Ah Tey said they were still hoping for a fare increase of between 20% and 30%.

“With the increase of the quota, we will not be raising prices first. We will wait for a review in fares in August or September,” he said.

In KOTA BARU, Bernama quoted a bus operator as saying that unlimited subsidy announced by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board was among efforts to reduce the burden of bus operators following the oil price increase.

“I thank the Government for giving the flexibility; up to 100% of subsidised oil supplies to us,” said Mutiara Ekspres manager Che Ibrahim Ismail, who operates express buses to Kuala Lumpur, Kajang and Penang, and has 80 buses.

Abolish import tax on buses, urges group


BUTTERWORTH: The Government should abolish the import tax for private buses and their spare parts to keep bus fares affordable, Penang Consumer Protection Association president K. Koris said.

Following the diesel price increase from RM1.58 to RM2.58 per litre, Koris said the Government should help ease private bus operators' burden and prevent them from shifting the cost to customers.

“It is the Government’s moral obligation to provide affordable, if not subsidised, public transportation to its citizens,” he said.

He said the Government must provide attractive incentives to encourage private bus operators to maintain reasonable fares despite increases in fuel prices.

Koris, who is also Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president, was commenting on reports that several express bus companies had increased their fares by between RM5 and RM10.

“If the Government can retain affordable fares for local and express buses and with the increase in petrol prices, more motorists would use public transportation instead of private vehicles.

“But if public transportation is not affordable, then it may be difficult for people to move around, especially to travel from state to state,” he said.

Koris said apart from public transportation, the Government should also come up with schemes to help ease the burden of the poor in the areas of food security, healthcare facilities and education.

“These are among the major areas that would affect consumers whenever the price of fuel goes up,” he said.

^^ Say NO. Take an idea from Swiss public transport, one of the easiest and integrated systems I have ever used- there is no private public transport it is all govt owned and supported, no overlap of routes, no touts, buses arrive and leave according to schedule no waiting for passengers to fill the bus, trained and properly paid drivers that don't think about racing to the next destination or overload the bus.
Nationalize Public transport and put all the money from petrol into an integrated govt owned system that covers the whole country, buy modern buses and provide services to the small towns and villages without a need for profit but as a peoples' right to proper public transport. Abolish private public transport companies! Do not help them make profits by subsidies better the govt take them over and run the service with our money.

^^ Say NO. Take an idea from Swiss public transport, one of the easiest and integrated systems I have ever used- there is no private public transport it is all govt owned and supported, no overlap of routes, no touts, buses arrive and leave according to schedule no waiting for passengers to fill the bus, trained and properly paid drivers that don't think about racing to the next destination or overload the bus.
Nationalize Public transport and put all the money from petrol into an integrated govt owned system that covers the whole country, buy modern buses and provide services to the small towns and villages without a need for profit but as a peoples' right to proper public transport. Abolish private public transport companies! Do not help them make profits by subsidies better the govt take them over and run the service with our money.

i for one bow to our subsidized and government owned rapid(<state name here>) overlords....

^^ yes, and now the govt is going to stop subsidies for Rapid KL & Penang to appease the private bus companies (can't even compare to Rapid KL and Penang services so in the end we are back to profit based public transport that cant provide the service as good as Rapid.) For private bus transport the bottom line is profit, no profit, no improvement, no renewal, no maintenance, poorly paid and trained drivers- we already know what that leads to). Please take over public transport, nationalize public transport

^^

I agree for government owned public transport and maybe government can provide funding to local authorities to start municipal bus service too...

Before Rapid KL bus existed, I dare not to take bus because, sometimes when i took bus in the past, some bus feel rickety, no proper map that indicates where the bus will stop, faulty air-conditioning system etc.

After Rapid KL bus appeared on the road, i always take bus, not only it is cheap (all day ticket) but it actually feels acceptable and comfortable, accepts Touch n Go card too...

I totally agree with you all. This is the only way to improve our public transportation systems: make them PUBLIC and subsidise them!

From Dr Chua Soi Lek Blog:

Public Transportation System: Urgent Need to Improve Efficiency

Now that the government has partially removed the fuel subsidy, it should now move forward to develop an integrated public transportation system. This should be the number one and top most priority in the major towns in Klang Valley, Penang and JB and subsequently expanding to other cities and towns like Seremban, Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

While we pride ourselves that we have one of the best road systems in the world, we also have the most toll highways. While there is massive infrastructure development, there is very little development on public transportation system and this is done on a very ad-hoc basis. Besides, there is very little integration of the transport system which deters the public from using the public transport. The fare for public transportation system itself is not cheap either.

Because of the inconveniences that the commuter has to go through and the poor integration of the rail, bus and taxi, the commuter has no choice but to opt for their own transports. An international study conducted a few years ago had rated the KL transport system as worst than Bangkok, while we continue to convince ourselves that we have a good road system and have the highest number of car ownership in ASEAN.

With the escalating fuel cost, lack of public transportation system has become an economic and social problem to average commuters. Unless the government can improve the transportation system in Klang valley, it will continue to be the hot issues for the Pakatan Rakyat.

Apart from that, the taxis in Klang valley are also facing problem as the result of this poor transportation system. At the airports, there is absolute monopoly of taxis and taxi touts are the first person to greet you when you step out of KLIA. Welcome to Malaysia and be prepared to be cheated by the touts. Taxi permit is given to politically connected people and remains in the domain of the bumiputra. To aggravate the situation, the taxi permit holders outsource their permit for a fee. The taxi operators are left with no choice but to be anti-government and at times to be unscrupulous in order to make ends meet. A revamp of the taxi system from award of taxi permit to a more reasonable taxi fare to reflect the current fuel hike should be introduced and enforcement needs to be stepped up. Until then, public dissatisfaction towards the government will continue to grow.

We must take the right steps to improve public transportation (http://www.penangwatch.net/node/2570)

With the recent decrease in the fuel subsidy, many people have complained that they would be willing to use public transportation if it were improved. They are calling loudly and clearly to the government to improve public transportation. I support these calls to improve public transportation. I support the idea that we must look at other places and see what they have done to improve their public transport system.

However, it must be clearly understood that there is a right way and a wrong way to improve public transportation in Malaysia. So I would like to present my suggestions, in what I believe to be the correct order of importance.

1) A Parliamentary Committee for Public Transportation must be created to oversee public transportation in Malaysia.

The existing Cabinet Committee does not have the confidence of the people of Malaysia (or, I imagine, Parliament itself). The presence of a Parliamentary Committee will improve confidence in public transportation. Planning and decision making will be improved through open planning and discussion. The Committee will help the MPs and the public to understand the proposals from the bus operators and the government, so the best plans are made.

2) A single National Authority for Public Transporation to create national standards, while Local and Regional Public Transportation Authorities will plan and implement strategies on the local level.

Public transport planning is invariably a local and/or regional service. It would not be possible for the proposed Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Negara (SPAN) to plan and oversee public transportation properly. Thus, each economic region of the country should have its own Local or Regional Public Transport Authority to own the bus routes and transport corridors and plan the future of public transportation.

3) Regulated Competition would be enhanced under the system provided.

The Public Transport Authority would own the buses and provide capital funding, while the operators would be required to compete for routes. This combination of regulation and competition would improve service levels and provide better, customer-focused services. Operators that could not meet the expectations of the Local Authority or the passengers would lose the routes to their competitors.

4) Proper funding for maintenance and expansion.

Since it started operating in 1995, the KTM Komuter service has been horribly neglected. The fleet size has decreased by 50% while passenger demand has actually tripled. Poor planning and oversight has left KTMB unprepared for the expanded passenger demands. An open Parliamentary Committee would be able to review the plans of the operators and proposals and make the necessary investments to improve public transportation.

5) Only a few operators, please

Competition is hurting public transportation in Malaysia. The only way that we can see real improvements is to reduce competition within the industry and focus on consolidation. The largest bus company, Konsortium Transnasional Berhad, is a good example of this consolidation. It offers express and intercity and urban bus services through its different branches and brands. Konsortium Bas Ekspres on the other hand, shows you what happens when there is consolidation without proper regulation. Konsortium Bas Ekspres has become notorious for bus crashes, underpaid and reckless drivers, and poor maintenance.

The government should encourage existing operators to form properly regulated conglomerates like KTB. Under the proposed system of regulated competition, the Local Authority can even (with proper justification) invite foreign transport companies like First and Veolia and ComfortDelGro to compete for bus routes tendered in their areas.

6) Proper information

Malaysians are, ironically, being restricted by companies that are supposed to provide them mobility. Bus operators and even government operators like RapidKL, KL Monorail, and KTMB are doing everything in their power to keep passengers using their services-even at the expense of passenger convenience. Bus operators only provide basic route information and only on the bus itself. RapidKL has discouraged the sale of integrated public transport maps like BastrenKL at LRT stations and bus hubs. In addition, for RapidKL to provide route information at a bus stop or give updates on the radio, they are forced to pay advertising rates.

With little or no comprehensive information available to public transport users, their ability to use the services and maximize their ringgit is severly limited. When the local Public Transport Authorities are created they should be expected to provide information through signs on bus stops, the internet, news-spots on broadcasting and narrowcasting, free paper guides, downloadable route maps, and sms services. This will help information reach the customers.

7) More buses and train carriages

Most people would think that this should be further up in the list but I disagree. We cannot build public transportation without realistic demands and proper data. Without these vital pieces of information, our planning is reduced to "If we build it, they will come". There are enough buses in the Klang Valley (shared among the major and minor bus operators) to meet all of the needs to the DBKL. These buses need to be better organized so they do not only focus on the profitable routes and do not spend most of their time waiting for passengers.

Only a local public transport authority which owns the routes and controls the buses would be able to implement a successful system. If we rely on the operators themselves to organize and improve services, nothing will happen.

8) Build better public transport from the bottom up

Bus lanes are not a popular solution among drivers. But we have to realize that bus lanes and bus rapid transit system are a solution that will work for the Klang Valley and throughout Malaysia. Rather than spending all our funds in the Klang Valley alone, we should be thinking about improving public transportation throughout the country.

To give you an understanding of this, consider the 120km of rail lines proposed in the KLCity2020 Draft Plan. Most of these lines will cost RM200-300 million per km. It will cost a total of RM 40 billion to build all of these lines, but the capacity will be the same as the existing KL Monorail and Kelana Jaya LRT. However, if the 120km of lines were built as a mix of Bus Rapid Transit and Rapid Tram lines, they could be built for RM40-75 million per km or approximately 7-10 billion, which would spare another RM30 billion for the rest of the country!

9) A complete mass-transit network

Mass-transit networks are vital for urban and suburban areas. Each economic region of Malaysia should have a complete public transport network and the backbone of this network comes from rail services. Instead of focusing on building "more lines" and "more extensions" the goal should be completing the network as quickly and effectively as possible. Once effective, rapid networks are in place, we can plan and upgrade capacity on the various lines.

One day we will need more LRT and KTM Komuter in the Klang Valley, Rapid Trams in Georgetown, and Johor, and KTM Komuter Udara, Selatan and Timur, and high speed rail networks in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. But until then, we have to focus on building realistic demand for public transportation services.

10) Affordable and reasonable fares

I disagree with any proposal that says that bus fares and public transport fares must be subsidized. Most people would assume that the "lower-income group" comprise the majority of public transport users, and therefore subsidies would be necessary. However, this only perpetuates the image that public transport is for the lower-income group and the poor.

The fact is that low fares have brought us into this situation of low-quality service. Effectively, we get what we pay for. So if we wish to see public transportation improve, we will have to invest more money into our services and that includes higher fares.

At the same time, higher fares do not have to be a burden. Under the system of regulated competition, the local authority would be able to run the fare system and they would be the best choice to implement the subsidy for operators. The local authority can also provide support to the needy in the form of free bus passes or discounted bus passes. They can also encourage fare-saving promotions, fare discounts for using Touch N Go, and even income tax credits for those who purchase monthly and weekly passes.

This is the time when we may see real improvements to public transportation. Unfortunately, is quite easy to fall under the spell of the "megaproject" and dream the "LRT dream" and lose sight of the fact that public transport planning has to be realistic. I fear that the government and MPs, if they do not prepare themselves, will not be able to resist the temptation to support the megaprojects and dream the dreams.

But if we take the right steps to improve public transportation, our lives will change for the better. We will have greater freedom to spend our money on ourselves and our families and our own interests, rather than paying outrageous petrol prices and tolls and spending our life stuck in traffic jams. We will have better quality of life and more time to enjoy our lives.

Cheers, m

Bus fares to get half-yearly reviews
By TEH ENG HOCK


PUTRAJAYA: Bus fares will be reviewed every six months, instead of once every few years.

Commercial Vehicle and Licensing Board director Naimah Ramli said this was decided at the Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last month.

“This does not mean that fares will go up every six months. The Government will just review the fares, and decide if there should be a hike or to maintain the rates,” she said.

Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the Government would decide whether to raise or maintain the fares for public transportation after a research paper is presented to the Cabinet.

“We have done a survey over the past year to look at the contributing factors (to rising public transportation costs). We cannot simply announce a new pricing table overnight,” he told reporters.

Asked when the paper would be tabled to the Cabinet, he said they would “try to present it by the end of this month”.

On a question whether it was fair to prevent companies from raising their fares when their cost of operations had shot up, Saifuddin advised operators to be patient and to follow the approved fares set by the Government.

On cases of bus tickets being sold above the approved price, he said 41 bus permits had been forfeited between June 6 and 8 for various offences committed.

Meanwhile, Konsortium Transnasional Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said that unless the Government allows a huge increase in fares, the industry might fall into a state of anarchy.

“At the last review in May 2005, the rate of subsidised diesel was 71 sen per litre. The subsidised rate now is RM1.43, which is a 100% increase.

“This has translated to my company incurring additional expenses of RM35mil a year. For the first time, my company is in the red,” he said.

Nadzmi said although they receive subsidised diesel at full quota, they needed “at least a 60% fare increase to break even or incur just a small loss”.

He added that the bus fare in Indonesia at eight sen a km was higher than Malaysia’s, which is 6.5 sen per km.

He said unless a significant increase was approved, operators would stop following the law to survive.

“You can put 100 enforcement officers today. Can you do the same everyday?” said Nadzmi.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) president Datuk Ashfar Ali concurred with Nadzmi, saying that diesel constituted about 30% of operational costs.

“The subsidised rate has gone up, but our fares have not. Our drivers get annual increments, while the cost of spare parts and labour has also gone up,” he said.

New look bus shelters for KL
By CHRISTINA LOW


BUS shelters are rarely nice places to wait for public transport, as they are often dirty and not well maintained.

At night, many bus shelters look like a scene from a haunted house with the dimly-lit fluorescent lighting.

This will have to change if Kuala Lumpur plans on becoming a world-class city and Parisign Marketing Sdn Bhd has taken the first step to help improve the situation.

“We wanted to do something nice and adaptable to the environment and buildings around us,” Parisign managing director Michael Tan said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/10/central/m_pg08panels.jpg
Shiny sight: At night, the shelters are brightly lit to enhance safety.

The company specialising in signage manufacturing took months to study shelters in various parts of the world before deciding on one that will suit the local weather.

“In China, they have winter so their shelters are built for it but we can’t adapt such designs here as we have tropical weather,’ Tan, who has more than 25 years experience in building bus shelters, said.

Early this year, the company completed 154 bus and taxi shelters allocated to them by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

All bear the same design of glass panels and are brightly lit at night.

They also give the public a good view of the city’s skyline.

General manager Henry Tan, who was put in charge of completing the shelters, said the design was chosen to give the city a modern outlook as well as make the shelters a safer place to wait for taxis and buses.

Work on the shelters began in June last year and it took three days to complete a shelter, before the laying of electricity cables, tiling and lighting could be added.

The glass roof and backdrop differentiate the shelters from others as it was the company’s copyrighted design.

Parisign did not back down from complaints or comments on the new shelters.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/10/central/m_pg08shelter.jpg
Colourful: One of the new shelters along Jalan Sultan Ismail.

“We made a lot of adjustments after listening to public feedback. Most of the complaints were about the glass roof and that it was too hot,” Henry said after a trial bus shelter was placed in the Jalan Pudu area.

Parsign went on to improve its glass ceiling to provide more protection from the rain and added Rike Cool lamination, which is said to be able to provide at least 90% protection from IR radiation and also able to generate a cooling environment.


For the new style seating which is made of stainless steel, Tan said they had received complaints that it was too hot, especially during the dry season, but Parisign continued with the design in hopes of curbing vandalism.

The shelters are also equipped with side glass panels for more protection as well as bus route maps for the convenience of the public.

“We will also be introducing vending machines at the shelters so that the public can buy drinks while waiting, as certain locations do not have kiosks,” Henry said.

At night, all bus shelters are fully lighted and site inspectors will monitor the conditions regularly.

“They will check if there are bills stuck on our shelters as well as the power source is fully functioning,” Henry said, adding that any repairs would be completed within three days.

Parisign completed the task as a form of sponsorship with its sole income coming from advertisements on the shelters.

“We have invested RM22mil in building the shelters,” Henry said.

Costs also runs high if an accident occurs involving the shelters or vandals damage the glass panels, which the company has to replace within 24 hours.

From the revenue received from the advertising, Parisign said it had invested RM1.5mil in providing several improvements to the shelters.

Parisgn’s new shelters are located in Jalan Ampang, Jalan Ara, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Jalan Dungun, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Raja Muda, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Tan Siew Sing, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan TAR, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Melaka, Jalan P.Ramlee, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Semantan, Jalan Melaka,Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tun Razak.

Petaling Jaya folks can look forward to such designs in their neighbourhood soon as it is the second phase project after Kuala Lumpur.

Henry said work in Petaling Jaya had begun in stages.

RM80 max for one-way ticket


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ALOR STAR: Luxury "executive" coaches are allowed to charge a maximum of RM80 for a one-way ticket to any destination.

Kedah Road Transport Department director Jaafar Mohamed said regular express buses from here to Kuala Lumpur were not allowed to charge more than RM30 for a single ticket.

He warned that bus companies caught overcharging could be fined up to RM10,000 or a year's jail.

He said the RTD had received no complaints that bus companies were charging passengers an extra RM10 once they boarded the bus.

"No, but we hope people will come forward so we can investigate," he said, adding that the identities of the complainants would be protected.

A seller of express bus tickets, Ridzuan Zakaria, said they imposed the surcharge after departure to cover the rise in the price of fuel.

But Kedah Consumer Association president Datuk Yusoff Ismail said with their fleet cards, public bus companies were still enjoying subsidised diesel.

41 bus operators lose licences



PUTRAJAYA: Forty-one express bus operators had their licences revoked as of June 8.

Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said they were hauled up for increasing fares without approval.

"We understand the plight of the operators but they cannot raise fares as they please, without the government's consent," said Saifuddin yesterday.

He said the ministry had conducted a study on the revision of bus fares and a report would be ready soon.

"I urge all bus operators to be patient until the government makes a decision, which we hope will be publicised by the end of this month."

He urged the public not to be cheated by touts and to report them to the police if they or bus operators charged them more than the scheduled fares.

New look bus shelters for KL
By CHRISTINA LOW

The shelters are also equipped with side glass panels for more protection as well as bus route maps for the convenience of the public.According to my contact at RapidKL, they have to pay advertising rates to post bus route maps on these new shelters.
Parisgn’s new shelters are located in Jalan Ampang, Jalan Ara, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Jalan Dungun, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Raja Muda, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Tan Siew Sing, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan TAR, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Melaka, Jalan P.Ramlee, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Semantan, Jalan Melaka,Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tun Razak.. Has anyone seen any of these shelters with bus route maps? If you have any photos, we should create a thread for the ads on the new shelters :banana:

It is quite interesting as Toronto went through a bus shelter rebuilding campaign and they also privatized the shelters...it turned into an advertising vehicle and the company that won the contract started violating all of the agreements too!

Check it out at this web page (http://www.publicspace.ca/shelterads.htm).
For more info on the new street furniture in Toronto you can see this page: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/439875

Cheers, m

Wow, even TDM is talking about RapidKL (http://www.chedet.com/2008/06/rapid-kl.html)

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Bung Mokhtar Radin (Ahli Parlimen Kinabatangan) telah bertanya dalam Dewan Rakyat berkenaan 1000 lebih bas milik Rapid KL yang tersadai dan tidak diguna.

Bas-bas ini dikatakan asalnya milik Intrakota dan City Liner yang telah diambilalih oleh Rapid KL yang dipercayai adalah milik Khazanah. Bas-bas ini masih boleh diguna atau boleh diperbaiki dan dijual oleh Rapid KL.

Tetapi Rapid KL tidak berusaha bersungguh-sungguh untuk mendapat balik sedikit pun daripada kos pembelian syarikat-syarikat ini.

Kenapa?

Apakah Rapid KL begitu untung dan boleh tanggung rugi yang tidak kecil daripada menjadikan bas-bas yang dibeli olehnya sebagai besi buruk?

Rapid KL terkenal dengan jumlah besar bas baru yang dimilikinya. Umum tahu yang bas-bas ini kerap kosong. Oleh kerana ia adalah GLC dan melibatkan wang rakyat sepatutnya untung-ruginya diumumkan kepada orang ramai. Tetapi kita tidak pernah melihat kira-kira untung ruginya. Untung besarkah RapidKL dan Khazanah?

Kita bangga dengan design bas-bas yang dimiliki oleh Rapid KL. Ia amat moden. Saya ingin tahu siapakah yang membekal bas-bas ini. Saya percaya pembekal bas-bas ini meraih keuntungan yang besar kerana begitu banyak bas yang jelas dibeli oleh Rapid KL. Mungkinkah pelupusan dan write-off begitu banyak bas-bas lama adalah supaya bas baru dapat dibeli daripada pembekal tertentu? Jika ya, nampaknya Rapid KL diadakan untuk menguntungkan pembekal. Apakah adanya Rapid-Penang juga tidak mempunyai tujuan yang sama?

Apakah benar pembekal bas Rapid KL dan Rapid Penang ialah M-Trans yang dimiliki 100% oleh Scomi yang dimiliki oleh sipolan-sipolan yang mempunyai talian kekeluargaan dengan pemimpin besar negara?

Katanya pesanan untuk bas baru oleh Rapid KL adalah begitu banyak sehingga Scomi tidak dapat membinanya. Oleh itu Scomi dibenar import bas dari China. Apakah harga import dan harga jualan kepada Rapid KL? Apakah syarikat lain dibenar import bas baru dari luar negeri? Apakah duti import yang dibayar?

Disiarkan gambar-gambar Scomi Coach Sdn Bhd (dahulu dikenali sebagai M-Trans Sdn Bhd) yang berada di tempat yang sama dengan Scomi Rail Bhd (dahulu dikenali sebagai M-Trans Technology Sdn Bhd)


Pictures below

Penceroboh boleh ditembak

Bas-bas Rapid KL yang tersadai

Bas-bas baru Rapid KL yang sedang dibina di kilang Scomi


Kita juga dengar khabar angin bahawa Scomi juga dapat kontrak membekal unit-unit monorel untuk projek monorel di Pulau Pinang. Sekali lagi Scomi hanya akan membekal unit monorel sahaja dan tidak akan terlibat dengan pembangunan dan pengurusan sistem monorel di Pulau Pinang. Umum tahu pembangunan dan pengurusan tidak memberi keuntungan. Menjual unit monorel tetap untung terutama jika tidak ada tender atau tender di buat dengan spesifikasi yang hanya jenis unit monorel Scomi sahaja yang boleh menepatinya.

(Disiarkan dibawah gambar yang menunjuk rel untuk percubaan unit monorel yang terdapat di kilang Scomi Rail Bhd)


Rel untuk test unit. Dibelakang terlihat satu unit monorel di atas test-rail

Papan kenyataan Scomi Coach Sdn Bhd dan Scomi Rail Bhd


Can someone translate?

Cheers, m

To condense what Mahathir wrote, he is arguing while 1000 buses former Intrakota is abandoned, Scomi's factory is fast churning our brand new buses for RapidKl while Scomi monorail division is now a bee-hive of activities with monorail coaches seen on the test track.

He's implicating that Badawi's son(Scomi director?) is using his privileged position to win contracts from RapidKL to supply new buses and hint that Scomi will supply monorail coaches for the Penang monorail.

To condense what Mahathir wrote, he is arguing while 1000 buses former Intrakota is abandoned, Scomi's factory is fast churning our brand new buses for RapidKl while Scomi monorail division is now a bee-hive of activities with monorail coaches seen on the test track.

He's implicating that Badawi's son(Scomi director?) is using his privileged position to win contracts from RapidKL to supply new buses and hint that Scomi will supply monorail coaches for the Penang monorail.

RapidKL buses let to rot so someone could profiteer?

Dr M raised some megabuck questions in his blog that concern the Abdullah Administration and a company linked to the PM's son:

* Is government-linked public transport operator RapidKL profiting so much as to be able to afford leaving 1,000 of its buses to rust and become scrap metal?

* Who is the supplier of these buses to RapidKL -- is it Scomi Coach Sdn Bhd, a company controlled by Abdullah’s son, Kamaluddin?

* Is the ‘bus graveyard’ in Sungi Choh, Rawang, which houses the abandoned RapidKL buses, owned by Scomi Coach Sdn and Scomi Rail Bhd (the latter supplies coaches for RapidKL’s light rail transit services)?

Mahathir posted four pictures of the 'bus graveyard' with Scomi trademarks to complement his blog entry.

Dr M said RapidKL, being a GLC, should table its accounts for the public to see.

It's a simple demand even a parliamentarian like Bung Mokhtar had asked for but did not get.

Screenshots

Dr M poser on Scomi-RapidKL bus deal (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/84261)
Jun 10, 08 4:20pm

Is government-linked public transport operator RapidKL profiting so much as to be able to afford leaving 1,000 of its buses to rust and become scrap metal?

Posing this question today, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad asked whether the answer had anything to do with the fact that Scomi Coach Sdn Bhd - a company controlled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s son Kamaluddin. - also supplies buses to RapidKL.

"I wish to know who the supplier of these buses (to RapidKL) is," Mahathir asked on his Chedet blogsite.

"I believe the supplier of these buses is raking in large profits because of the number of purchases by RapidKL. Is it possible that the disposal of so many old buses (by RapidKL) is so that new buses can be purchased from a certain supplier?" he queried further.

Mahathir had also posted on his blog photos (above) which showed the abandoned RapidKL buses parked at a ‘bus graveyard’ in Sungi Choh, Rawang.

A signboard in one of the pictures purportedly shows the owner of the ‘graveyard’ to be Scomi Coach Sdn and Scomi Rail Bhd. The latter supplies coaches for RapidKL’s light rail transit services.

Mahathir’s was the latest voice to have raised the issue. Late last month, BN member of parliament Bung Moktar Radin had asked in parliament why RapidKL had left so many its buses to rot, becoming a source of complaints to residents in the area.

‘Reveal accounts’

Given Rapid KL had bought new buses using taxpayers’ money - Bung estimated the total cost of the buses to be RM500 million - he asked whether there was anything not right.

"If there is nothing wrong, why have these buses, which can still be used, been left to languish and cause environmental pollution?" asked the Kinabatangan MP.

Echoing Bung’s questions, Mahathir said RapidKL being a government-linked-company, should table its accounts for the public to see.

"It has been said that RapidKL has ordered so many new buses that Scomi has been unable to build (the required numbers). Because of this, Scomi has been allowed to import buses from China.

"What is the price of these imported (buses) and their total sales to RapidKL? Are other companies allowed to import new buses from abroad? What are the import duties that have been paid?" Mahathir added.

The combative ex-premier also noted talk of Scomi being contracted to supply train coaches for a proposed monorail project in Penang.

Mahathir has been on the offensive against his hand-picked successor Abdullah as he perceives the latter as unraveling the policies he had put in place during his 22-year tenure as prime minister.

Accusing Abdullah of allowing corruption to run rampant and of nepotism, Mahathir upped the ante following Barisan Nasional’s near disastrous performance at the March 8 general election.

A lifetime member of Umno, Mahathir quit the party May 19 in a dramatic attempt to pressure Abdullah to step down.

‘A while elephant’

In another blog entry posted yesterday, Mahathir revived his criticisms of the government’s scrapping of plans to build the curved bridge as a replacement for the Johor Causeway.

According to him, Abdullah had ordered the cancellation of the plans to spite Johoreans as certain parties in Johor were said to have objected to the government’s offer to sell sand to Singapore for reclamation works and use of Johor’s airspace by Singapore military aircrafts.

Instead of merely cancelling the bridge project which was to have been the trade-off for Johor’s sand and airspace, Abdullah out of frustration ‘punished’ Johor by cancelling the bridge project altogether, claimed Mahathir.

"No straight bridge, no curved bridge either," he said.

"The result is that more than RM1 billion has been wasted building the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex (left), foundation works for a new railway station, pilings and preliminary works on the road linking the CIQ to the bridge plus compensation to the contractors because of the cancellation of the projects.

"The CIQ building is now a white elephant, unused and yet has to be maintained costing hundreds of thousands of ringgit a month.

"Clearly Abdullah has wasted public money. All because he was angry with the Johor people for not enabling one billion cubic metres of sand to be sold to Singapore and the profits thereof," he said.TDM, for the next 5 minutes :lol: you are the greatest Malaysian! :cheers: :banana:

Thanks for the summaries everyone.
RapidKL buses let to rot so someone could profiteer?

Dr M raised some megabuck questions in his blog that concern the Abdullah Administration and a company linked to the PM's son:

* Is government-linked public transport operator RapidKL profiting so much as to be able to afford leaving 1,000 of its buses to rust and become scrap metal?

* Who is the supplier of these buses to RapidKL -- is it Scomi Coach Sdn Bhd, a company controlled by Abdullah’s son, Kamaluddin?

* Is the ‘bus graveyard’ in Sungi Choh, Rawang, which houses the abandoned RapidKL buses, owned by Scomi Coach Sdn and Scomi Rail Bhd (the latter supplies coaches for RapidKL’s light rail transit services)?

Mahathir posted four pictures of the 'bus graveyard' with Scomi trademarks to complement his blog entry.

Dr M said RapidKL, being a GLC, should table its accounts for the public to see.

It's a simple demand even a parliamentarian like Bung Mokhtar had asked for but did not get.

ScreenshotsAn interesting set of questions...but he is missing the key point, which is that the buses are owned by Prasarana (Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad) and not RapidKL...so it doesnt matter how much RapidKL is profiting. As it is, Prasarana is backed by the Finance Ministry.

I agree that both RapidKL and Prasarana should table their accounts publicly.

To condense what Mahathir wrote, he is arguing while 1000 buses former Intrakota is abandoned, Scomi's factory is fast churning our brand new buses for RapidKl while Scomi monorail division is now a bee-hive of activities with monorail coaches seen on the test track.

He's implicating that Badawi's son(Scomi director?) is using his privileged position to win contracts from RapidKL to supply new buses and hint that Scomi will supply monorail coaches for the Penang monorail.Since Scomi is a member of the consortium that appears to have "won" the tender for the Penang Monorail, then they would logically be the company to build the monorails.

Of course the circumstances behind that contract are probably worth investingating.

Juicy stuff :):cheers:

Cheers, m

busnya bagus2 yah

di indonesia baru saja di mulai era brt

the plan was proposed on 2004

and it began to adapted on indonesia big city such as jogjakarta

denpasar--->Bali

pontianak and the other big city in kalimantan

jagalah baik2 bus mu yah rakyat malaysia janganlah engkau rusak ya.

New look bus shelters for KL
By CHRISTINA LOW


BUS shelters are rarely nice places to wait for public transport, as they are often dirty and not well maintained.

At night, many bus shelters look like a scene from a haunted house with the dimly-lit fluorescent lighting.

This will have to change if Kuala Lumpur plans on becoming a world-class city and Parisign Marketing Sdn Bhd has taken the first step to help improve the situation.

“We wanted to do something nice and adaptable to the environment and buildings around us,” Parisign managing director Michael Tan said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/10/central/m_pg08panels.jpg
Shiny sight: At night, the shelters are brightly lit to enhance safety.

The company specialising in signage manufacturing took months to study shelters in various parts of the world before deciding on one that will suit the local weather.

“In China, they have winter so their shelters are built for it but we can’t adapt such designs here as we have tropical weather,’ Tan, who has more than 25 years experience in building bus shelters, said.

Early this year, the company completed 154 bus and taxi shelters allocated to them by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

All bear the same design of glass panels and are brightly lit at night.

They also give the public a good view of the city’s skyline.

General manager Henry Tan, who was put in charge of completing the shelters, said the design was chosen to give the city a modern outlook as well as make the shelters a safer place to wait for taxis and buses.

Work on the shelters began in June last year and it took three days to complete a shelter, before the laying of electricity cables, tiling and lighting could be added.

The glass roof and backdrop differentiate the shelters from others as it was the company’s copyrighted design.

Parisign did not back down from complaints or comments on the new shelters.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/10/central/m_pg08shelter.jpg
Colourful: One of the new shelters along Jalan Sultan Ismail.

“We made a lot of adjustments after listening to public feedback. Most of the complaints were about the glass roof and that it was too hot,” Henry said after a trial bus shelter was placed in the Jalan Pudu area.

Parsign went on to improve its glass ceiling to provide more protection from the rain and added Rike Cool lamination, which is said to be able to provide at least 90% protection from IR radiation and also able to generate a cooling environment.


For the new style seating which is made of stainless steel, Tan said they had received complaints that it was too hot, especially during the dry season, but Parisign continued with the design in hopes of curbing vandalism.

The shelters are also equipped with side glass panels for more protection as well as bus route maps for the convenience of the public.

“We will also be introducing vending machines at the shelters so that the public can buy drinks while waiting, as certain locations do not have kiosks,” Henry said.

At night, all bus shelters are fully lighted and site inspectors will monitor the conditions regularly.

“They will check if there are bills stuck on our shelters as well as the power source is fully functioning,” Henry said, adding that any repairs would be completed within three days.

Parisign completed the task as a form of sponsorship with its sole income coming from advertisements on the shelters.

“We have invested RM22mil in building the shelters,” Henry said.

Costs also runs high if an accident occurs involving the shelters or vandals damage the glass panels, which the company has to replace within 24 hours.

From the revenue received from the advertising, Parisign said it had invested RM1.5mil in providing several improvements to the shelters.

Parisgn’s new shelters are located in Jalan Ampang, Jalan Ara, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Jalan Dungun, Jalan Gereja, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Pinang, Jalan Raja Muda, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Yap Ah Loy, Jalan Tan Siew Sing, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan TAR, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Dang Wangi, Jalan Imbi, Jalan Melaka, Jalan P.Ramlee, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Semantan, Jalan Melaka,Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tun Razak.

Petaling Jaya folks can look forward to such designs in their neighbourhood soon as it is the second phase project after Kuala Lumpur.

Henry said work in Petaling Jaya had begun in stages.

nice shelters! I hope it continues to look this good

June 12, 2008 20:43 PM

Old Buses At Rawang Plant Undergoing Refurbishment, Says Scomi

RAWANG, June 12 (Bernama) -- Scomi Engineering Bhd Thursday denied that there are abandoned old buses at its Rawang plant, explaining that the buses are undergoing refurbishment work.

Its president Hilmy Zaini said the plant was also providing services like maintenance, design and manufacturing of new and old buses for customers.

The company has become one of top three producers of superior buses for city, intercity and tourism transport in Malaysia, he said at a media briefing here.

Pictures posted by a blogger on the Internet yesterday claimed that old buses are abandoned at the Rawang plant.

Hilmy said any party should show proof first with facts before making any claims about the Scomi group.

"We supply about 200 buses for RapidKL and majority of the old buses in our yard are 14 years old and above. Currently, 50 buses have completed the refurbishment process," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Scomi to refurbish 150 Prasarana Negara buses
By EILEEN HEE


RAWANG: Scomi Engineering Bhd via business division Scomi Coach Sdn Bhd expects to complete refurbishing 150 buses within two months for a major customer.

According to president Hilmy Zaini, the buses, which belong to Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd, would be refurbished at a price that was much lower than the cost of purchasing new buses.

“We have refurbished 50 buses,” he said during a media visit to the company’s monorail and bus manufacturing facility in Rawang yesterday.

Last year, the bus division contributed RM20mil to the company’s revenue, Hilmy said.

He added that Scomi was targeting to enter new markets for its bus business and planned to expand to India.

“Because of the (monorail) projects that we are involved in there (India), we find that this could be an opportunity for us.

“We are also looking to introduce the completely-knocked-down business for export,” he said.

The facility in Rawang, which produces about 400 buses a year, also will see an adjacent factory built in six months.

“This new facility would be used to manufacture monorail and rail systems,” he said.

New look for KL bus shelters and taxi stops


KUALA Lumpur will be getting a facelift with new bus shelters and taxi stops that are designed not only to be stylish but also to last longer.

New concessionaire Ritz Outdoor Worldwide (ROW) has been chosen by City Hall to spearhead the efforts to change the look of bus shelters and taxi stops to make KL a world-class city. ROW will be responsible for the development, installation and maintenance of 910 bus and taxi shelters in 11 districts in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are satisfied because the company is very comprehensive and has come up with interesting concepts for the bus shelters and taxi stops,” said Federal Territories Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Bakaruddin Othman during a site visit to the company’s factory to inspect the manufacturing processes of the bus shelters.

This project is part of the KL Street Furniture Concession, which is a new initiative by the Federal Territories Ministry and City Hall to redevelop all the existing bus and taxi shelters in Kuala Lumpur to ensure better transport shelters for commuters and create a new identity for KL.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/18/central/m_04bushelters.jpg
Getting a feel: City Hall, FT Ministry and ROW representatives trying out the bus shelters at the ROW factory.

It is also aimed at reducing government and local authority operational spending through privatisation.

“The 910 shelters will be built over three years and we will replace the old stops with new ones. There are five different models that we have designed to suit different places and sizes,” said ROW executive chairman Abdul Manan Nasir.

The stops are also built to last longer as they incorporate features to prevent vandalism.

“We use tempered glass of 8mm to 9mm thickness so that it will not break easily. We also have a comprehensive main-tenance programme, under which we will clean the stops every few days. We use chemicals that will remove any unwanted stickers or banners stuck on to the stops,” Abdul Manan explained.

ROW is also looking at using rough surface so that stickers cannot be stuck onto the shelters.

“We also use uniquely de-signed screws to put together the shelters so that they cannot be removed with normal screwdrivers. We have factored in vandalism when designing these shelters,” he added.

The smaller stops cost about RM30,000 each while the bigger ones cost about RM70,000 each.

“The building cost is borne by the concessionaire but they also have the exclusive rights to advertising. That said, content of the advertisements will still be regulated by City Hall,” Bakaruddin explained.

ROW will be using the network concept to sell advertisements rather than selling the whole bus shelter space.

“We will be using the network concept where we move the advertisements from one shelter to another within a particular time-frame. This is the latest advertising trend that the world is moving towards,” Abdul Manan said.

All the other concessionaires will have to follow the new models and specifications of these shelters designed by ROW.

.......aik...new one again????

Permit 60 bas sudah disita

SHAH ALAM - Tindakan menaikkan tambang sesuka hati telah menyebabkan 60 permit bas telah disita setakat ini sejak kenaikan harga minyak pada 5 Jun lalu.

Timbalan Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah berkata, alasan syarikat bas bahawa kos bahan api meningkat tidak boleh diterima kerana mereka masih menikmati diesel subsidi yang kekal pada RM1.43 seliter.

Sejak kerajaan menaikkan harga petrol sebanyak 78 sen kepada RM2.70 dan diesel meningkat RM1.00 kepada RM2.58, sesetengah pengusaha mengambil kesempatan mengaut keuntungan kerana pada minggu harga minyak dinaikkan adalah minggu akhir cuti sekolah.

Bercakap kepada pemberita melancarkan syarikat francais pengurusan dan perancangan harta pusaka, Wasiyyah Shoppe Sdn. Bhd., di sini semalam, Saifuddin berkata, Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) terus memantau pengusaha-pengusaha pengangkutan awam bagi memastikan mereka mematuhi arahan ini.

Kali terakhir tambang pengangkutan awam dinaikkan ialah pada tahun 2005.

Sementara itu, Pengerusi LPKP, Datuk Markiman Kobiran berkata, syarikat yang terbabit akan dikenakan tindakan di bawah Seksyen 19 Akta LPKP kerana melanggar peraturan kadar tambang.

"Jika didapati bersalah, semua syarikat bas itu boleh dikenakan tindakan gantung lesen atau operasi mereka dibatalkan.

"Kita akan meminta surat tunjuk sebab dan jika alasan mereka tidak memuaskan, baru tindakan diambil," katanya.

Source : http://www.bharian.com.my/Current_News/BH/Thursday/Rencana/20080618223000/Article/



Menteri Kewangan Kedua, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop pada mesyuarat mengenai Bajet 2009, menjelaskan akan memberi fokus kepada usaha mempertingkatkan kecekapan sistem pengangkutan awam, termasuk kemungkinan memperkenalkan lebih banyak insentif, peruntukan dan bantuan selain perkhidmatan bas ekspres di lebuh raya utama dengan menjadikan kawasan rehat dan rawat (R&R) sebagai terminal atau perhentian.

“Beberapa insentif baru akan diberikan kepada syarikat pengangkutan awam bagi membolehkan mereka menyediakan perkhidmatan yang baik dan murah. Ada cadangan supaya kita jadikan R&R sebagai tempat untuk menaiki bas dengan tambang lebih murah dan perjalanan lebih kerap.

“Perkhidmatan RapidKL dan Rapid Penang juga akan ditingkatkan dengan pembelian 100 bas lagi, manakala perkhidmatan yang sama akan diperkenalkan di bandar lain,” katanya.

Bus operator hit by higher fuel prices
By Zurinna Raja Adam Published: 2008/06/25




KONSORTIUM Transnasional Bhd (KTB), an operator of inter-city and express bus services, expects to incur losses this year as it has to bear an additional RM35 million in operating cost due to higher oil prices.

The group is asking the government to allow a 54 per cent increase in charges for its express buses and a 38 per cent increase in city bus charges.

The last fare increase was in 2005.

Chairman and managing director Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said due to higher fuel prices, KTB would have to bear the 123 per cent jump in operating cost.



"If the government does not agree to a price increase, it won't be fair to bus operators like us," he said after the group's annual general meeting yesterday.

For the first quarter ended March 31 2008, KTB reported RM6.85 million in losses on revenue of RM62.5 million. During the same period last year, the group made a RM53,000 gain and RM53.6 million in revenue.

For the full year ended December 31 2007, KTB posted RM4.5 million in profit and RM70.9 million in revenue.

Nadzmi said transport fares should be increased three to five per cent every year, which is the current practice in developed countries.

"(That way), when a global price increase like this happens, the public won't feel the pinch that much, and it helps bus operators like us to survive," he added.

Commenting on its compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, Nadzmi said the plan to spend over RM300 million to increase its CNG fleet to 374 buses from the current 60 by year-end is still underway.

"As a provider, that's our aim. However, the infrastructure for CNG buses by oil companies is still not ready yet," he said, adding that CNG buses will help to offset the company's losses.

On overseas expansion, Nadzmi said the group is on the lookout to buy rival companies in Indonesia to expand its business in the country.

Buses causing traffic crawl
By YIP YOKE TENG


THE daily traffic crawl at Leboh Pudu, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and Jalan Petaling is becoming unbearable, no thanks to selfish bus operators.

Traders lament that the operators always park their buses along the narrow roads to wait for passengers.

The buses are left there for more than 30 minutes, with their engines on, before departing and replaced by other buses.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/25/central/m_06buses.jpg
No way out: The driver of the car trying to weave his way out of the jam caused by the parked buses.

An old-timer, who wanted to be known only as Joe, said the buses were always parked there between 8am and 8pm.

“Their engines are always on, emitting fumes that pose serious health hazard to the public and making the surroundings hot.

“Worse still, look at how the buses have damaged the road kerbs and road surfaces,” he said, pointing at the pothole-laden stretches.

Joe added that the three complaints he made at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) fell on deaf ears.

A check by StarMetro at about 5pm on a weekday showed that the buses were occupying half of Leboh Pudu, and two of the three lanes of Jalan Tun H.S.Lee and Jalan Petaling, near Bangkok Bank.

Another trader, Yap, said the business there had been seriously affected by the traffic problems created by these buses.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/25/central/m_06lebohpudu.jpg
Unsolved: The daily traffic congestion is a normal scene at Jalan H.S.Lee, Leboh Pudu and Jalan Petaling.

“Traffic congestion on these stretches is so notorious that people do not want to come here anymore.

“We urge the authority to attend to this matter because the buses are not only affecting these few roads, but the whole of Chinatown and Masjid Jamek,” Yap said.

He added that there was always a strong presence of DBKL enforcement officers but the problem persisted.

“I suppose they practice selective enforcement. They only fine the motorists, but never the bus operators.

“Even former Transport Minister Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy visited the area and pledged to solve it, but until now nothing has been done,” Yap added.

DBKL director-general Datuk Salleh Yusup said the matter required the involvement of various parties, and he would order the relevant DBKL departments to take heed.

Asked about accusations that DBKL enforcement officers had failed to monitor the situation, Salleh said the bus operators had already been slapped with many compound notices.

It seems to be all Metrobus company. do the bus drivers and conductors work on commission? low basic pay and commission on the number of passenger fares, or mayb they rent the bus and collect all the fares for themselves.
I dont see this situation improving if this way of managing buses by commission continues. Its fair wages for bus drivers and conductors no commission on passengers that will improve this parking and waiting problem

busnya bagus2 yah

di indonesia baru saja di mulai era brt

the plan was proposed on 2004

and it began to adapted on indonesia big city such as jogjakarta

denpasar--->Bali

pontianak and the other big city in kalimantan

jagalah baik2 bus mu yah rakyat malaysia janganlah engkau rusak ya.Sounds great for Indonesia :) Now that they can see that Tije has been a success, what is the expansion plan? Which cities will have BRT next? And how soon?

To my mind Jogjakarta makes sense as the next place to implement BRT.

Edit...visit http://transjogja.net

Cheers, m

Buses to use gas, too
By : Regina Lee


KUALA LUMPUR: The government will be pushing for buses to use compressed natural gas (CNG) to overcome rising oil prices.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said the anti-inflation committee agreed that this was one way to help keep transport costs down.

"We are looking at gas as a possibility to structure an energy policy. At the moment, we are swinging towards getting the public transport sector to use gas, to reduce usage of diesel," he said.

Currently, 94 per cent of all natural gas vehicles (NGV) are taxis, while buses make up only 0.4 per cent, with the rest being private vehicles.

"With more buses using CNG, it will also result in a large reduction in emission of fumes, thus saving the environment.

"Of course, there will have to be a mechanism in place to help finance the conversion of the buses into becoming an NGV," he said, adding that the energy policy would come under the purview of the Economic Planning Unit.

An announcement is expected to be made today.

On the 40 per cent increase in fuel prices due to the reduction in subsidy, Shahrir said a positive outcome was that people were starting to appreciate the country's resources.

"I can see a difference in people's lifestyles. They are planning their trips more carefully now," he said.

He also revealed that the government has saved RM2 billion by cutting the fuel subsidies.

Despite the reduced subsidies, the government is expected to fork out RM29.62 billion in subsidies, cash rebates and fleet cards, if the global crude oil prices remain at US$140 (RM455) per barrel.

"We were expecting to make savings of RM4.4 billion when we initially raised fuel prices.

"But the crude oil price has also increased and the government still needs to dig deep into the pockets to subsidise Malaysians," he said.

Here's some interesting and good to be an example for Malaysians...know how to queue!

From The Star(11/7/2008)....
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t224/Nissan_FUGA/Busqueue.jpg

OMG! queuing for bus?

OMG! queuing for bus?

It's quite a surprise, but then,it is still a rarity...

ah....I hate long queue, because it indicated inefficiency. Queueing should be done in information system not human flesh in this century.

^^ Well said.

Public transport becoming the preferred choice of city folk
By : Evangeline Majawat, Joseph Sipalan and Regina Lee
Email to friend Email to Friend Print article Print Article

http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/Frontpage/2293078/insidepix1


KUALA LUMPUR: Facing up to the higher price of fuel is improving the quality of life of city folk and bringing smiles to public transport operators.
http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/Frontpage/2293078/insidepix2?display=xsmall
As more people leave their cars at home and take buses or trains to work, there is less pollution even as the working class saves on transport costs.

Train and bus transport operators said their passenger figures had risen since the fuel subsidy was reduced and prices of petrol and diesel shot up.

Even taxi drivers, who have been clamouring for a revision of rates, have reported a double bonus -- more passengers and less traffic.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd corporate communications manager Shahriza Embi said an average of 101,000 commuters used its services daily between June 5 and June 20.
"In comparison, an average of 94,000 commuters (used KTMB services) between May 8 and May 23," she said.

KTM Komuter services three routes, Sentul-Port Klang, Seremban-Rawang and Rawang-Kuala Kubu Baru.

Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) also reported an increase in average ridership for its bus and light rail transit operations.

The average ridership for buses increased by 7.5 per cent from 365,111 to 392,654 passengers per day, while for the LRT, ridership increased by 3.9 per cent from 313,753 to 326,095 passengers per day.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and implement appropriate measures to cope with the increase," RapidKL communications division general manager Ebi Azly Abdullah said.

The company is expected to introduce additional trains with larger capacity for the Kelana Jaya LRT line by the end of next year.

Bus operator Metrobus has been enjoying a marked increase in demand for its services.

An officer with the company's operations department said total ticket sales has gone up between 30 and 40 per cent.

"At the moment, each of our buses sells an average of 250 tickets a day," he said.

Metrobus has a fleet of more than 300 buses.

Taxi operators are seeing an increase in passenger traffic, particularly in the city's outskirts.

Taxi Operators Association chairman Datuk Aslah Abdullah said his members were enjoying more business amid thinning traffic jams.

"It's not a very big increase, but at the same time there are no complaints from my members of having no passengers.

"There are also fewer jams nowadays."

Aslah said the association did not have figures on passenger volume, but noted there was a steady increase in demand from predominantly middle-class areas.

"There is better business in areas like Damansara, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya."

Perhaps, the only transport-related business people who cannot find positives from the fuel price hike are petrol station owners.

This is because there has been a drop in petrol sales throughout the country.

Esso Malaysia Dealers Association noted that petrol stations had recorded a 10 to 15 per cent drop in average volume since the fuel price hike early last month.

"In cash turnover, it is still the same as people pay the same amount they used to, only to get less fuel now," said association president Alang Zari Ishak.

"This means, they are using less fuel."

Despite the lower sales turnover, the association, with 275 members, is grateful that the government has stepped in to increase the profit margin for petrol station owners from 9.5 sen to 12.9 sen per litre.

NST

KL Hope-On-Hop-Off ikon baru Kuala Lumpur
Oleh Nor Liza Ahmad
norli@bharian.com.my




http://www.bharian.com.my/Monday/Ekonomi/20080714092447/mainpix1.jpg
BAS dua tingkat atau lebih sinonim dengan panggilan 'double-decker' sering dikaitkan dengan London dan ia menjadi ikon kota raya itu.

Selain London, double-decker juga menjadi pengangkutan popular di beberapa bandar utama di Eropah dan Asia seperti Singapura, Sri Lanka, Jepun dan Hong Kong. Ia biasanya digunakan untuk tujuan bersiar-siar dan melawat tempat menarik di bandaraya terbabit.

Di Kuala Lumpur, penggunaan double-decker untuk kegiatan itu masih terlalu baru dan hanya mula diperkenalkan tahun lalu.



Dikenali sebagai KL Hop-On-Hop-Off, perkhidmatan bas double-decker di ibu negara itu dikendalikan Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, syarikat yang diterajui Syed Azhar Syed Nadzir. Syarikat itu ditubuhkan pada 2006 dengan usaha sama rakan niaga, Rizal Ashram Ramli.

Syed Azhar berkata, penggunaan bas dua tingkat dan pengenalan perkhidmatan bas KL Hop-On-Hop Off dilihat sebagai tepat pada masanya sempena Tahun Melawat Malaysia.

Berkonsepkan `hop-on-hop-off’, pelancong atau penumpang bas boleh naik dan turun di mana-mana laluan dengan menggunakan tiket yang sama untuk tempoh 24 jam.

http://www.bharian.com.my/Monday/Ekonomi/20080714092447/mainpix2
PANORAMA: Pelancong berpeluang menikmati panorama Kuala Lumpur dengan suasana lebih menarik.



“Idea untuk memperkenalkan konsep bas ini di Malaysia tercetus ketika saya tinggal di London. Saya pernah terfikir bila balik ke Malaysia saya nak bawa konsep bas seperti itu ke Kuala Lumpur (KL),” katanya dalam pertemuan di Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini .

Beliau yang ketika itu bekerja di Airod United Kingdom turut membuat penyelidikan dan mendapati ia sesuai serta berpotensi di Malaysia, terutama untuk menarik pelancong.

Sekembali ke Malaysia pada 2005, Syed Azhar mula merencanakan strategi bagi menjalankan perniagaan bas bertingkat di KL.

Pada awal penubuhannya, syarikat membeli empat bas yang dikeluarkan peneraju dalam pembuatan bas dan trak, Scania Chasis And Engine dari Sweden.

http://www.bharian.com.my/Monday/Ekonomi/20080714092447/mainpix3
UNIK: Perkhidmatan bas KL Hop-In-Ho-Off memberi alternatif unik untuk mengembara sekitar Kuala Lumpur.

Bagaimanapun, badan bas itu dipasang di Malaysia dengan reka bentuk terkini untuk memberikan keselesaan dan perjalanan menyeronokkan kepada setiap pelancong.

Sebelum pelancaran rasmi KL Hop-On Hop Off, banyak publisiti dibuat bagi tujuan promosi dan memperkenalkan perkhidmatan bas bertingkat itu di Malaysia.

“Sebagai perniagaan baru, kami juga tidak dapat lari daripada berdepan masalah, tetapi ia bukannya halangan.

“Yang penting perkhidmatan KL Hop-On Hop Off bukan sekadar untuk melawat sekitar KL tapi juga sepanjang perjalanan itu pelancong akan diberi penerangan mengenai sejarah mengenai tempat menarik yang dilalui bas ini, sejarah serta kejadian yang pernah berlaku di Kuala Lumpur dalam sembilan pilihan bahasa,” katanya.

Syed Azhar menjelaskan, walaupun pada asalnya perkhidmatan itu disasarkan kepada pelancong asing, ia kini akan diperluaskan kepada pelancong tempatan.

Katanya, setakat ini permintaan semakin baik daripada pelancong asing yang menguasai 95 peratus daripada penumpang bas itu.

“Bagi pelancong asing bila sebut hop-on-hop off, mereka sudah faham apa fungsi bas ini, tapi bagi pelancong tempatan perkhidmatan ini masih lagi baru kepada mereka dan kami akan pastikan mereka mendapat maklumat yang jelas mengenai perkhidmatan yang disediakan,” katanya.

Harga tiket yang dikenakan juga berpatutan, malah lebih rendah bagi pelancong tempatan iaitu RM19 untuk dewasa dan RM12 kanak-kanak, manakala pelancong asing berharga RM38 (dewasa) dan RM17 (kanak-kanak).

“Tiket ini boleh sah laku untuk tempoh 24 jam dan mereka boleh naik dan turun ikut suka mereka serta pada pada bila-bila masa di semua 22 hentian bas KL Hop-On-Hop-Off,” katanya sambil menambah operasi bas itu bermula dari jam 8 pagi hingga 8 malam.

Beliau berkata, tiket bas boleh diperoleh dalam bas serta di kaunter Bukit Bintang, China Town dan KL Sentral.

Syed Azhar berkata, tahun lalu syarikat mengendalikan 48,000 penumpang dan jumlah itu dijangka meningkat sekali ganda tahun ini.

Menuju hadapan, beliau mahu memastikan KL Hop-On-Hop-Off sebagai antara ikon Kuala Lumpur seperti KLCC, Menara KL dan juga monorel.

Bagi Syed Azhar, KL Hop-On-Hop-Off bukanlah perkhidmatan bas biasa, sebaliknya ia memberi pengalaman pengembaraan di Kuala Lumpur tanpa henti dan mampu menjadi saluran terbaik kepada pelancong untuk meneroka KL pada harga yang rendah.

FAKTA: KL Hop-On-Hop-Off



KL Hop-On-Hop-Off ialah perkhidmatan bas menggunakan bas dua tingkat atau lebih dikenali sebagai double-decker.


Ia dikendalikan Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, syarikat diterajui Syed Azhar Syed Nadzir yang ditubuhkan pada 2006 dengan usaha sama rakan niaga, Rizal Ashram Ramli.


KL Hop-On-Hop-Off beroperasi setiap hari dari jam 8 pagi hingga 8 malam.


Bas akan berhenti di 43 tempat tarikan pelancong dan melalui laluan lebih 100 hotel di Kuala Lumpur.


Tiket boleh dibeli pada harga RM19 untuk pelancong tempatan dan kanak-kanak RM12, manakala pelancong asing RM38 dan kanak-kanak RM17.


Pemegang tiket boleh naik dan turun bas bila-bila masa di mana-mana 22 hentian bas KL Hop-On-Hop-Off.


Tiket sah laku untuk tempoh 24 jam yang memberi kebebasan kepada pelancong melawat tempat yang mereka minati mengikut jadual sendiri.


Sepanjang perjalanan, pelancong akan diberi penerangan mengenai sejarah dan tempat menarik di KL dalam sembilan bahasa mengikut pilihan mereka.


Tiket bas boleh diperoleh dalam bas serta di kaunter syarikat itu di Bukit Bintang, China Town dan KL Sentral.


Tahun lalu kendali 48,000 penumpang dan ia disasarkan meningkat sekali ganda tahun ini.


Mahu jadikan KL Hop-On-Hop-Off sebagai antara ikon Kuala Lumpur selain mercu tanda sedia ada seperti KLCC dan Menara KL.

http://www.bharian.com.my/Monday/Ekonomi/20080714092447/mainpix2
PANORAMA: Pelancong berpeluang menikmati panorama Kuala Lumpur dengan suasana lebih menarik.wow, an open-top bus for KL? I'll ride it in the early morning or the late evening.

Cheers, m

Its really a great idea but makes me wonder how this company will survive in the long run !!!Most of the time these buses are empty!!!I trully wish them well .

deleted

Government says yes to bus fare hike


PUTRAJAYA: The Government has agreed to increase stage and express bus fares but has not decided on the quantum.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said the new fares would be announced before Hari Raya in October.

Noh, however, shot down the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association’s appeal for a 100% fare increase, saying it would be a great burden on the public.

“Their appeal for an increase cannot be refused but a 100% increase means a RM30 fare would be RM60. This is too high,” he said, adding that the memorandum from the association was accepted during the National Inflation Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on Monday.

Noh said the ministry has drawn up a formula on the fare increase, which it now has to discuss with the association.

“We understand their financial problem because prices of diesel, tyre and engine oil have gone up a few times since 2005, while fares have not increased,” he told reporters after presenting excellence award to 68 ministry staff here yesterday.

Noh also said that the Government was looking into the operators’ other problems, including complaints that they could not sell tickets yet for the Hari Raya season for fear there would not be enough buses.

“They said some buses do not want to operate during the festive season because it is only full for a one-way journey such as Kuala Lumpur to Johor and returns with fewer passengers,” he said.

Among ideas the Government was studying to help prevent bus companies from incurring losses, particularly when running services to rural areas, was to issue permits for them to transport school children and factory workers.

He said Mara was incurring losses of about RM3mil per year providing subsidised transport at Felda schemes.

The ministry was also studying the possibility of allowing the 20,000 school bus operators to ferry members of the public after they had sent students to school, to enable them to increase their income, he added.

Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali, however, insisted that the Government meets its three requests: an increase in diesel quota for both stage and express buses, a 100% fare increase and goodies for the industry in the coming Budget.

Bus fares to go up before Raya
By : Deborah Loh

http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/Frontpage/2307014/insidepix1
Bus operators have been asking for a fare hike of 100 per cent since the increase in the price of fuel.


PUTRAJAYA: Taking public transport home for Hari Raya will cost more as bus fares will be raised following pleas from operators.

Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said fares for express and stage buses would definitely be raised, but bus companies would not get the 100 per cent increase they were asking for.

"It is just a matter of a percentage increase. I will make an announcement before Hari Raya. In the meantime, the ministry will continue to discuss the matter," Noh said yesterday.

Bus operators have been asking for a fare hike of 100 per cent to survive the recent fuel price increase and the rising operational costs.

They brought their woes to the National Inflation Council at its meeting on Monday through the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBOA), which is a member of the council. The association in April had also submitted a memorandum to the government.

Noh said raising fares 100 per cent would burden the public.

"We will put the public's interest first, but we also understand the problems of bus companies. We know that they have been struggling since fares were last raised in 2005, as the price of diesel has gone up since then," he said after attending his ministry's excellent service awards ceremony.

On improving public transport in rural areas, Noh said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board was allowing commuter services using vans for routes off main roads.

"Those who want to set up a bas mini desa (rural mini bus) service can apply to the CVLB for approval. They can use vans or smaller buses."

Noh said the ministry was also studying the possibility of allowing schoolbuses to serve public commuters in between fetching children to school.

He said it was one way to help school bus operators cut losses as they would otherwise sit idle during school hours.

"We're looking at existing bus regulations to see if this is possible," he said.

In an immediate reaction, PMBOA president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said if the government could not raise fares by 100 per cent, it should fulfil other requests for a higher quota of subsidised diesel and for the removal of sales tax on bus parts.

"Raising fares 100 per cent is the minimum for us to survive. We've told the government this. If they can't, they should give us a combination solution," he said.

Bus companies want the monthly amount of subsidised diesel raised to 5,000 litres per stage bus and 9,000 litres per express bus, from the present 2,500 litres for each bus.

Ashraf added that the association had proposed that the removal of sales tax on purchases of bus parts be implemented under the 2009 Budget, and as such were seeking "immediate relief" in the form of a 100 per cent fare increase.

"We sympathise with passengers but at the same time, we don't want to go out of business," he said.

Sarawak-Brunei-Sabah Inter-State Bus Service To Be Launched
July 31, 2008 17:15 PM

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 (Bernama) -- A maiden inter-state commercial bus service involving the Miri, Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu routes will be launched in September to facilitate easier movement of people and goods in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the launch of the service was under the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cross-Border Movement of Commercial Buses and Coaches which was signed last year.

He said the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the operation of commercial buses and coaches in that route were being finalised.

"We are confident that this initiative would further stimulate cross-border movement of people in the BIMP-EAGA," he told reporters after chairing the Third BIMP-EAGA Transport Ministers Meeting here today.

The MoU on cross-border movement of vehicles allows for cross-border carriage of passengers by buses and coaches between member countries, as well as in transit, through other member countries on designated disembarkation points or routes.

Transport ministers of the four Asean countries also signed another two MoUs -- on Expansion of Air Linkages and the Establishing and Promoting Efficient and Integrated Sea Linkages - which brought a more conducive environment and liberalised framework for intra-EAGA transport operations.

The BIMP-EAGA region was established in 1994, as a sub-regional economic grouping with the objective of enhancing trade, tourism and investment in the area.

On the expansion of air linkages, Ong said AirAsia was planning to launch the Kota Kinabalu-Bandar Seri Begawan route, Kuching-Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Lumpur-Manado (Indonesia) route this year.

He said they were pleased to note the resumption of the Davao (Philippines) to Manado (Indonesia) route by Wings Air of Indonesia, and the commitment of Philippines to resume its flight between Zamboanga (Philippines) and Sandakan by August, as well as operate new services between Zamboanga and Kota Kinabalu by December this year.

Under the MoU for sea linkages, Ong said their transport officials had begun exchanging information on the respective port facilities development and policies and practices for non-convention vessels or ships.

-- BERNAMA

Miri-KK bus route via Brunei
Saturday August 2, 2008
TheStar

PUTRAJAYA: A maiden bus service will be launched in September on the 10-hour route between Miri in Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah via Brunei.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the service was likely to be operated by a bus company from Malaysia.

“Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia are finalising standard operating procedures for interstate bus services.

“We recognise the challenges faced by bus companies in view of high fuel costs and our governments must work together to overcome this,” he told reporters after attending the regional Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asean Growth Area (BIMP - EAGA) transport ministers’ meeting here on Thursday.

Presently, people visiting Kota Kinabalu or Brunei from Sarawak have to use their cars or charter private buses.

It is believed that two buses will depart from Kota Kinabalu and Miri respectively each day when the service begins.

There is also a trial run of a bus service from Pontianak, Indonesia, to Bintulu, Sarikei and Miri in Sarawak, operated by an Indonesian company.

“The firm is studying a regular service to these places,” said Ong, adding that, besides land transport, there were new air routes between member countries.

“For instance, AirAsia has announced a Kuala Lumpur-Makassar (Indonesia) service. It also plans services between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching to Bandar Seri Begawan and a KL-Manado (Indonesia) flight,” he said.

On a technical glitch that disrupted LRT services and caused delays for thousands of passengers, Ong said he was informed of the incident by the Railway Department.

“However, they have not briefed me about it. I hope to get a more comprehensive report on the matter soon,” he said.

Permit untuk bas luar bandar

TANJONG KARANG 4 Ogos - Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi sedia memberikan permit kepada pengusaha yang berminat untuk menjalankan perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam di luar bandar yang dikenali sebagai bas mini desa.

Menterinya, Datuk Noh Omar berkata, pengusaha terbabit tidak semestinya menggunakan bas biasa tetapi boleh menggunakan kenderaan seperti van untuk perkhidmatan itu.

Menurutnya, ini kerana kemudahan itu lebih bersifat perkhidmatan untuk komuniti setempat.

"Perkhidmatan ini boleh diberikan di kawasan luar bandar yang tidak dimasuki oleh bas-bas besar dan syarikat bas pula tidak mampu mengadakan perkhidmatan itu.

"Kita harap dengan adanya perkhidmatan bas mini desa ini, akan memberi kemudahan kepada penduduk kampung yang memerlukan perkhidmatan pengangkutan," katanya selepas melancarkan perkhidmatan bas Mara Liner Parlimen Tanjong Karang di Dewan Kampung Raja Musa di sini, semalam.

Menurut Noh, perkhidmatan bas merupakan satu perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam yang penting tetapi usaha menggalakkan rakyat menggunakan pengangkutan awam kurang berkesan kerana kualiti sistem pengangkutan itu tidak diperbaiki.

Katanya, kerajaan akan menubuhkan Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam dengan tumpuan akan diberikan kepada usaha untuk mengatasi masalah pengangkutan awam dalam bandar dan luar bandar.

"Di Lembah Klang, RapidKL terpaksa menanggung kerugian RM5 juta sebulan dan ini menunjukkan kerajaan terpaksa menanggung kekurangan yang dihadapi oleh syarikat itu untuk terus memberikan tambang murah.

"Untuk luar bandar pula, setakat ini hanya Mara yang bersedia menawarkan perkhidmatan. Untuk itu, kerajaan menyediakan peruntukan RM75 juta termasuk RM45 juta untuk pelaburan membeli bas-bas baru, mengganti bas dan bengkel.

"Sebanyak RM30 juta lagi ialah subsidi untuk perkhidmatan bas Mara Liner di kawasan yang syarikat swasta tidak mampu dan tidak berminat menyediakan pengangkutan awam kerana tidak menguntungkan," katanya.

MBPJ to promote free community bus service
Friday September 12, 2008
By TAN KARR WEI
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/12/central/m_03bus.jpg

Poor response: Not many are making use of
the free community bus service provided by MBPJ.

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will look into ways to increase ridership of its free community bus service.

The service was launched in August and has two buses that go around PJ Selatan and PJ Utara to service the elderly and the poor.

Each bus will ply their respective routes four times a day.

Since it started, the response has been lukewarm, with only a handful of people making use of the service.

Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee took a ride on the bus to find out why.

“Many people are still not aware of the free bus service.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/12/central/m_03freeservice.jpg

Inadequate info: There is a sign that says
`Free Service’ in Bahasa Malaysia only on the bus




“There is a sign on the bus stating it is a free service in Bahasa Malaysia and we will look into having this translated in Chinese and Tamil as well,” said Lee.

He said he also noticed that there were not enough stops along the routes.

Although the PJS bus goes through the district health centre in PJS 2C/5, Lee said the bus should stop at the Universiti Hospital as many people from the lower-income group seek treatment there.

An MBPJ officer said those who want to get on the bus could flag down the bus even if they were not at the designated bus stops.

Most of the stops were near flats but do not have proper bus shelters.

Lee said it was more cost-efficient for the buses to go through routes with existing bus shelters so that MBPJ did not have to build new ones.

“We also need to discuss with the commercial bus operators to see if we can complement their routes,” said Lee.

MBPJ to promote free community bus service
Friday September 12, 2008
By TAN KARR WEI
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/12/central/m_03bus.jpg

Poor response: Not many are making use of
the free community bus service provided by MBPJ.

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will look into ways to increase ridership of its free community bus service.

The service was launched in August and has two buses that go around PJ Selatan and PJ Utara to service the elderly and the poor.

Each bus will ply their respective routes four times a day.

Since it started, the response has been lukewarm, with only a handful of people making use of the service.

Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee took a ride on the bus to find out why.

“Many people are still not aware of the free bus service.




http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/12/central/m_03freeservice.jpg

Inadequate info: There is a sign that says
`Free Service’ in Bahasa Malaysia only on the bus




“There is a sign on the bus stating it is a free service in Bahasa Malaysia and we will look into having this translated in Chinese and Tamil as well,” said Lee.

He said he also noticed that there were not enough stops along the routes.

Although the PJS bus goes through the district health centre in PJS 2C/5, Lee said the bus should stop at the Universiti Hospital as many people from the lower-income group seek treatment there.

An MBPJ officer said those who want to get on the bus could flag down the bus even if they were not at the designated bus stops.

Most of the stops were near flats but do not have proper bus shelters.

Lee said it was more cost-efficient for the buses to go through routes with existing bus shelters so that MBPJ did not have to build new ones.

“We also need to discuss with the commercial bus operators to see if we can complement their routes,” said Lee.Went to the MBPJ website but I could not find any information about the bus service. Perhaps that is the issue, a lack of clear information.

I hope they dont give up on the service too soon like they did in Seremban.

Cheers, m

Hike in fare riles KL-Seremban bus users



SEREMBAN: The month-long across-the-board 30 per cent surcharge on bus fares from Monday has upset commuters going to work in Kuala Lumpur.

Several regular passengers felt that they should be exempted from the extra charge of RM1.40 over the regular fare of RM4.70 for a one-way trip to the federal capital.

She felt the surcharge should only be levied on express bus fares.

"I don't understand why stage buses are allowed to impose the surcharge when most of its passengers are those who use the service to get to work every day.

"Throughout this period, it will be this group that incurs the highest cost because they use the service regularly. Imagine how much the bus operators will rake in for a single route," a passenger who only wanted to be identified as Mastura said.

She said the extra charge of RM2.80 daily per person for a round trip to Kuala Lumpur worked out to an extra RM112 for a busload of 40 commuters per day.

Mastura, who also complained of poor bus services, is one of 18,000 commuters here who is travelling to work to Kuala Lumpur daily.

Another caller, who declined to be identified, questioned the need for a surcharge in view of the subsidised diesel allocated to bus companies.

He said bus operators should not be taking advantage of the festive season to make excessive profits.

"The government has given them subsidised diesel but now tells us that the surcharge is imposed because a review of the fare is needed.

"Why must they also enforce it during the festive period when we have more expenditure? If it is temporary, as they say it is, I'm sure it could be done at a later date. I'm more worried that the surcharge will be permanent," he said.

When contacted, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said he would be looking into feedback from consumer associations and related parties.

"If we find that consumer associations and other parties feel the hike is unfair, we will find a solution for all.

"However, I want to stress that there must be a balance between the bus fare and bus operators' operational costs.

"Be mindful that the last revision was in 2005. Since then, the fare has increased only three times," he told the New Straits Times.

He said the surcharge was temporary and that fares would revert to the earlier prices next month.

"We are now looking into the possibility of reviewing the fares, even though I agree that the fares should be as low as possible to help commuters cope with rising costs.

"But then again, no bus operator would operate buses if they are making losses."

Last month, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar announced the temporary surcharge, for one month from Sept 15, on stage and express bus fares for the Hari Raya season, to reduce bus operators' operational costs.

KL - JB from RM23.90 to RM31.10 :(

KL - JB from RM23.90 to RM31.10 :(

lol..might as well take car with 4 people.:bash: Same thing.

lol..might as well take car with 4 people.:bash: Same thing.

Add to that, Gemas-JB EDT wont proceed anytime soon

Making PJ a liveable city for one and all
Sheila Sri Priya

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Thursday/Stories/2352549/insidepix1



PETALING JAYA: To cater for the needs of the urban poor, retirees and disabled, the city council here began providing a free community bus service from Aug 18.


The council also recently bought a van to transport the disabled who are trapped at home.
"Our aim is to help the underprivileged affected by the recent fuel price hike," said Mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman when launching the community bus service.

The bus will operate around the PJ north (PJU) and PJ south (PJS) areas, with importance given to low-cost residential areas where most of the urban poor live.

This makes Petaling Jaya the first city in Selangor to provide a community bus service.


"If there is a good response, we may increase the number of buses, depending on our financial ability," said Roslan.

At present, the two buses provided to cover five areas in PJU and 15 areas in PJS are operating between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.

One bus was purchased for RM200,000 while the other was refurbished at a cost of RM50,000.

The council also recently bought a van to transport the disabled.

"All they need to do is call us at 03-79563544 ext 370 or 374 and tell us where they would like to go and our officers will pick them up and send them to their destination.

"We are aware that most are trapped at home and face difficulties in even getting to the hospital for their medical check-ups and emergencies.

"We are working towards making PJ a liveable city for all," said Roslan.

For more information, visit www.mbpj.gov.my.

Free Bus Rides For Local Pressmen In Perak
September 19, 2008 20:34 PM

IPOH, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Perak state government are expected to offer free bus rides to destinations within the city of Ipoh, for local pressmen.

State Local Government Committee Chairman Nga Kor Ming said the suggestion would be introduced once the public transport system was upgraded.

"Journalists and photographers would be given a special pass to enable them to use bus services for free or at discounted rates," he told reporters here Friday.

"The concept will be similar to that practiced by the Ipoh City Council who issue special car park stickers to pressmen."

The state government had last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 14 city bus service operators to form a consortium, aimed at upgrading the public transport system in the state.

The project which includes the building of a new bus terminal in Meru Raya and the purchase of 200 new buses, is expected to cost about RM150 million.

-- BERNAMA

Free Bus Rides For Local Pressmen In Perak
September 19, 2008 20:34 PM

IPOH, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Perak state government are expected to offer free bus rides to destinations within the city of Ipoh, for local pressmen.

State Local Government Committee Chairman Nga Kor Ming said the suggestion would be introduced once the public transport system was upgraded.

"Journalists and photographers would be given a special pass to enable them to use bus services for free or at discounted rates," he told reporters here Friday.

"The concept will be similar to that practiced by the Ipoh City Council who issue special car park stickers to pressmen."

The state government had last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 14 city bus service operators to form a consortium, aimed at upgrading the public transport system in the state.

The project which includes the building of a new bus terminal in Meru Raya and the purchase of 200 new buses, is expected to cost about RM150 million.

-- BERNAMA

Cool.This means that Ipoh will finally have an improved bus system.:banana:

DBKL: Overlapping contracts solved
Saturday September 20, 2008
TheStar

THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said there is some overlapping of bus stop shelters zone contracts awarded to Ritz Outdoor Worldwide (M) and Parisign.

“There is a slight misunderstanding pertaining to the overlap of bus stop shelter construction areas for the two companies to an extent there was confusion at the sites,” DBKL corporate communications manager Anwar Mohd Zain said in a statement.

“This matter has already been resolved by DBKL, Federal Territories Ministry and the two parties involved,” Anwar added.

He was referring to an article under the heading “Mystery of the missing bus stop shelters solved” which appeared in StarMetro yesterday.

Cool.This means that Ipoh will finally have an improved bus system.:banana:

That's good, it is a good complement to the expanded train service to Ipoh and future rapid intercity train!

That's good, it is a good complement to the expanded train service to Ipoh and future rapid intercity train!but the complaints are already starting such as this letter below:

Transport hub: Consult the people first (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Letters/2356033/Article/index_html)
By : YIN EE KIONG, Penang

WHILE it is welcome news that a consortium will be providing 200 new buses to serve Ipoh, it is not good news that the new terminal, the so-called Ipoh Sentral Transportation Hub, will be at Meru Raya, as things now stand.

In fact, Bandar Meru Raya is not centrally located in Ipoh -- far from it.

Public transport is mainly used by the lower-income groups simply because they have no alternative. What the Perak government has done is to further burden those who can least afford it by siting the terminal so far out of town. Now it will cost commuters twice as much, if not more, to take a bus to KL or Penang.

It is all very well for Nga Kor Ming, (Perak Public Transport Committee chairman), to say that a model of the terminal will be displayed to get public feedback. This is like putting the cart before the horse.

Surely it makes more sense to consult the public on the location first? To present Ipohites with a fait accompli regarding the location of the Ipoh Sentral Transportation Hub and then say that it will listen to the citizens' views is counter-productive at best and, at worst, devious.

And, to sweeten this sham, public consultation with the offer of three lifetime free bus passes is an insult to the public's intelligence. It may be good for the three winners but thousands will have to pay through their noses for what should be cheap transport.

Unless the government has a better alternative, it is best that we stick to the status quo. It wasn't too long ago that the terminal was shifted to Medan Gopeng and commuters are only just getting used to it. And, already, we are thinking of changing that as well.

Already, non-governmental organisations are calling for a rethink of the project. If the Perak government is genuine about wishing to consult Ipohites, there should be a public dialogue on this matter.

If the governing politicians insist on riding roughshod over the people, they can expect retribution at the polls. With a razor-thin majority in the state assembly, I suggest that the Pakatan Rakyat government tread carefully.
Cheers, m

State to review Rapid Terengganu transport services
By : Sean Augustin




HULU TERENGGANU, TUES:

THE state government will review the need for a 'Rapid Terengganu' public transport service amid concerns that it is not a viable venture and directly competes with local bus operators who are already facing a hard time to survive. Rapid Terengganu is a public bus service which works like Rapid Penang and Rapid KL.

Former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh announced the setting up of a company in 2006 to improve the public transport system in the state.

The state purchased 20 busses for RM11 million and in May this year the state government said it was selecting the logo and pictures to be used on the bus.

State to review Rapid Terengganu transport services
By : Sean Augustin

HULU TERENGGANU, TUES:

THE state government will review the need for a 'Rapid Terengganu' public transport service amid concerns that it is not a viable venture and directly competes with local bus operators who are already facing a hard time to survive. Rapid Terengganu is a public bus service which works like Rapid Penang and Rapid KL.

Former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh announced the setting up of a company in 2006 to improve the public transport system in the state.

The state purchased 20 busses for RM11 million and in May this year the state government said it was selecting the logo and pictures to be used on the bus.I dont know why I missed this article or the decisions made last month.

But, all is not lost. Follow the suggestions and work within the structure of the East Coast Economic Region. Create a Local Public Transport Authority for the ECER - call it SPAPT (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Pantai Timur) or some other cool name. Regulate the bus routes and fares and select an operator for the buses on contract. The government or the local authority keeps control, people get a reliable bus service and the problem is solved.

Rizal do you have a link for this article? Id like to reply to it and post it to the TRANSIT forum.

Cheers, m

Report on the National Summit on Urban Public Transport (18.9.2008)

By Ong BK and Moaz Yusuf Ahmad
On behalf of the Association for the Improvement of Mass-Transit (TRANSIT), Klang Valley

The National Summit on Urban Public Transport was held by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) at The Gardens Hotel and Conference Centre on September 18, 2008 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The Conference firmed up the view of Civil Society that the current governing parties are the main stumbling block to public transport reform: The government simply lacks the political will to improve the messy public transport system comprehensively and effectively!

Retired Perak CPO Yuen Yuet Leng, who used to brave bullets to serve the government stood up at the final plenary to declare that he has voted for the Opposition in the March 8 General Elections because the current leaders are putting self interest above national interest.

Representatives from Public Transport Industry stakeholders such as Prasarana (National Infrastructure Company), RapidKL (Bus and LRT operator), Scomi (Bus and Monorail builder), DBKL (KL City Hall), Datuk Nadzmi Salleh (Director of Konsortium Transnasional) and others were all united to demand a unified public transport agency instead of the current 13 agencies which splintered the administration of public transports into hopelessness.

Transport Minister Ong Tee Kiat in his keynote address announced the setting up of a unified Public Transport Agency – but skepticism remains as to when and how this is going to start functioning. The original plans have been delayed by 6 months.

CVLB Director Markiman Kobiran expressed his concern that the National Public Transport Commission would simply become a 14th agency, adding to the layers of bureaucracy instead of reducing it.

TRANSIT advisor Moaz Yusuf Ahmad suggested in his presentation that public transport be reformed from the very top, with the Cabinet Committee being replaced by a Parliamentary Select Committee to increase the level of public participation. This proposal was supported by Datuk Micheal Yeoh, Director of Asli, but rejected immediately by CVLB Director Markiman.

Many delegates at the National Summit expressed their frustration because there had been numerous such conferences before to address the non-functioning public transport – all of which have yielded little benefits to the end-users, the passengers.

Public Transport users were represented among the participants – however, some NGOs including the Bus User’s Group (BUG) from Penang, Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport-KL (Beat-KL), the Centre for Transport, Development and the Environment, Malaysia (Cetdem) and newly formed TRANSIT, provided a concise and clear view from the perspective of the public transport users.

TRANSIT advisor Moaz Yusuf Ahmad originally planned to attend the conference as a delegate but was asked to join the Special Discussion on Urban Transport as a panelist. It was an excellent and positive opportunity for TRANSIT to share their views about public transportation in Malaysia
Fortunately, the perspective of the user was given more focus, especially thanks to questions from the users present at the question times. So it was a strategic success for the users to get organised-at long last!

Some interesting disclosures from the speakers included:


CVLB’s Markiman Kobiran disclosed that CVLB policy is to limit competition in the public transport sector – and so the introduction of RapidKL and RapidPenang were pushed by `interference’ from `higher-up’ powers.

Dr. Aizi of the Federal Territories Ministry disclosed public transport only has 16% ridership (800 000 passengers/day) in KL, despite billions of RM in investment in public transport – chiefly in capital intensive LRT – while the improvements to the buses (Intrakota and RapidKL) have not lasted.

Moaz Yusuf Ahmad, speaking for TRANSIT disclosed that KTM Komuter is operating with 1/3 (20 Electric Multiple Unit Trains) out of the original fleet (62 trains). At the same time, the Rawang-Seremban line has been extended to Serendah and soon to Tanjung Malim, while the Pelabuhan Klang-Sentul line will soon be extended to Batu Caves and potentially to Selayang. In the 10 years of KTM Komuter operations, passenger demand has increased by 3 times.

Moaz Yusuf Ahmad also discussed TRANSIT’s view of the proposed LRT lines, suggesting that the government consider building the Kota Damansara-Cheras Line to MRT capacity (30,000-50,000 passengers per direction per hour)

Uwe Arhens of Melewar Integrated Engineering outlined 3 simple steps in Public transport planning and design. We wonder why the policy makers are finding it hard to implement these simple steps. Mr. Ahrens complained that they have been experiencing difficulties to make appointment with the CEO of Prasarana (Shaipudin Shah Harun) who seems to be making the wrong purchases of buses and LRTs.

Dr Leong Siew Mun of DBKL admitted that DBKL has little power to intervene into public transport planning but gets most of the blame within the Klang Valley.

Dato Nadzmi expressed his view that public transport needed to be improved and the regulation of the government was hampering the operations of businesses.

CVLB disclosed that they have not started a registry of bad bus drivers -though they have one for bad taxi drivers, thus allowing bad bus drivers to hop from one company to another – often expecting the new company to pay the driver’s own summonses.

Dr Thilainathan compared transport data between KL, Singapore, and Hong Kong, which showed that in most cases, Hong Kong and Singapore had found ways to improve the mobility of their population with less use of private cars

Shaipudin Shah Harun, Prasarana CEO was lost for words when challenged why Rapid buses was slow to become disabled friendly. He could only said that it takes other factors to work together to deliver the service-but why Rapid must be the last one to start playing its part? That really rile the BEAT members and other supporters of universal access !

RapidKL’s Suffian repeated what the press has reported about RapidKL’s grand plan for the future.

Prof Sulik Suleiman disclosed that bus companies in Hong Kong are making money by the truckloads everyday-in hard cash. He stated that there is a way to create a regulated yet competitive public transport environment that allows consumers to benefit and operators to profit – without too much government “intervention” in the market.

Kanesan of SCOMI spoke about monorail technology and then expressed his feeling that the bus and taxi drivers were poorly treated in Malaysia – with low salaries, high costs and expectations, and all the blame for what is happening in the industry. He pointed out that in many cases, bus and taxi drivers were not welcome at public facilities – to the extent that there was nowhere for them to use the washroom.

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz who was a chair for a session candidly admitted that he too had been thru many of such conferences over a period of 30 years – but there had not been any movement in the right direction due to a lack of political will.

Prof Abdul Rahim said that Bus Rapid Transit only cost 7-10% compared to heavy rail. He proposed that mega projects and highways solutions should be on the way out in favour of leaner and more efficient and more environmentally-friendly buses.

Dr. Gue See Sew was another advocate for buses – and demanded that the government set proper and realistic targets.

Gurmit Singh of Cetdem expressed his suspicion that the government had not sorted out its priority whether to develop the car industry or to develop public transports.

R Nadeswaran (Citizen Nades) of the Sun candidly stated that the Public Transport sector is characterised by lawlessness…he also declared his lack of faith in the new Local Councils

EPSM disclosed that KL’s bus lanes had been turned into car parks.

Paul Selvaraj of FOMCA too supported buses.

Eddy Chen who chaired the last session suspect that the government has not decided whether to save PT sector from bad policies – thus causing Malaysians to abandon PT in favour of unsustainable private cars.

I dont know why I missed this article or the decisions made last month.

But, all is not lost. Follow the suggestions and work within the structure of the East Coast Economic Region. Create a Local Public Transport Authority for the ECER - call it SPAPT (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Pantai Timur) or some other cool name. Regulate the bus routes and fares and select an operator for the buses on contract. The government or the local authority keeps control, people get a reliable bus service and the problem is solved.

Rizal do you have a link for this article? Id like to reply to it and post it to the TRANSIT forum.

Cheers, m

^^

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/NewsBreak/20080923154109/Article/index_html

^^

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/NewsBreak/20080923154109/Article/index_htmlThank you kindly.

Cheers, m

New info about a DBKL Town Shuttle


DBKL has proposed and is working on a town shuttle for the inner city areas of KL.

The town shuttle will have 1 route serving as a feeder through the main areas of KL. There will be two directions of service but they will not use the same route because of the 1-way roads.

The following areas will be served:

DBKL HQ, Chow Kit, Hospital KL, Jalan Ampang, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Pudu, Chinatown, Merdeka Sq. and DBKL HQ again.

Buses are to be NGV/CNG buses which are fully accessible and the DBKL will look at buying the buses or allowing a local operator to operate the service under contract.

More info to come.

Cheers, m

^^

Will it be a free service just like MBPJ community bus?

^^

Will it be a free service just like MBPJ community bus?free or a nominal fare. The number mentioned was RM0.50/trip. Some suggested a daily fee a la Panorama Melaka, with hop-on, hop-off freedom.

Cheers, m

Will this service run on a dedicated bus lane?


New info about a DBKL Town Shuttle


DBKL has proposed and is working on a town shuttle for the inner city areas of KL.

The town shuttle will have 1 route serving as a feeder through the main areas of KL. There will be two directions of service but they will not use the same route because of the 1-way roads.

The following areas will be served:

DBKL HQ, Chow Kit, Hospital KL, Jalan Ampang, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Pudu, Chinatown, Merdeka Sq. and DBKL HQ again.

Buses are to be NGV/CNG buses which are fully accessible and the DBKL will look at buying the buses or allowing a local operator to operate the service under contract.

More info to come.

Cheers, m

Will this service run on a dedicated bus lane?The DBKL will be expanding the bus lane network throughout the city and the Shuttle Bus will have access to those bus lanes.

I made it clear to the DBKL rep that painted-on bus lanes would not work in KL without serious enforcement - somemore that if DBKL vehicles continue to park in the bus lane on Jalan Raja Laut, it destroys the effectiveness of bus lanes - not to mention the credibility of the DBKL.

Cheers, m

The DBKL will be expanding the bus lane network throughout the city and the Shuttle Bus will have access to those bus lanes.

I made it clear to the DBKL rep that painted-on bus lanes would not work in KL without serious enforcement - somemore that if DBKL vehicles continue to park in the bus lane on Jalan Raja Laut, it destroys the effectiveness of bus lanes - not to mention the credibility of the DBKL.

Cheers, m

What was their response regarding that last statement? :lol:

Bus surcharge to remain




PUTRAJAYA: The 30 per cent surcharge for rides on express buses and shuttle buses introduced for the Hari Raya period will remain until a new bus fare schedule is drawn up. Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar declined to say when the new fare would be released, but said he had decided to keep the surcharge because of the satisfactory services provided by the bus companies. He said complaints about ticket touts and shortage of buses during the festive period were markedly fewer this year.

Twenty-seven Bus Stops To Be Built In Tasik Gelugor
October 19, 2008 17:00 PM

TASEK GELUGOR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Twenty-seven bus stops will be built here as part of the vision to transform Tasek Gelugor into a developed town, said Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop today.

He said the project would not only enhance the quality of lives of the local people but also a catalyst for economic activities in the area.

Although the project seemed small, it was a start to a bigger project, dubbed the "Tasek Gelugor Maju" (Tasek Gelugor a developed town), as announced by the government after the March 8 general election, he said.

"This project is expected to be completed in two months by 27 appointed contractors, with RM20,000 allocated for each of the bus stops.

"The initiative is also aimed at increasing the use of public transportation in the country.

"Currently only 20 per cent of our people use public transport compared to 70 per cent in other countries," he said at the presentation of letters of appointment to the contractors involved here, Sunday.

-- BERNAMA

What was their response regarding that last statement? :lol:not to happy because the rest of the council was smirking too...:lol:

Cheers, m

i think if we color the bus lane to red like those in japan (some part), it might 'educate' bus drivers to stick to the lane. or they might want jakarta's version of bus lane?

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/ne....php?id=366401

Features
October 22, 2008 10:49 AM

Time For Some Dignity In Malaysia's Public Transport

By Melati Mohd Ariff

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) - Over the years, complaints on the shoddy services offered in the countrys public transport sector have continued to snowball and reached colossal proportions.

This had forced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take to the ground to witness and experience for himself the daily mayhem and disorder faced by commuters in the city.

At the end of the Prime Ministers day trip, he arrived at the conclusion that a more efficient, reliable and integrated public transportation, which provides seamless travel and greater frequency of services, is required.

In the Klang Valley alone, an average of 400,000 people use the bus services daily while another 350,000 go up RapidKLs trains. Overall, RapidKL provides 44 per cent of the public transport services in the Klang Valley.

These were some of the statistics in the 2009 Budget speech, delivered by Abdullah in the Dewan Rakyat last Aug 29.

To further improve public transport's efficiency, the government has pledged a sum of RM35 billion to be utilised for the period 2009-2014.


Improvement plans include enhancing the capacity of existing rail services, building new tracks and increasing the number of buses.

Regular public transport users including those in the Klang Valley now harbour high hopes that the endless woes they are facing daily would be things of the past.

ATTITUDE CHANGE

Amidst the government's multi-billion Ringgit plans, the wrong notion that public transportation is for only the low-income group should be corrected.

"We limit ourselves by assuming that public transport is for the poor people which is really not the case. One of its functions is to provide mobility service for the public and it is not just for people who cannot afford private transport but also for people who have the option of not using private transport," said Moaz Yusof Ahmad, a public transport activist.

He is the adviser of 'Transit', the Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit-Klang Valley), a newly established public transport activist group.

Moaz said there were two other functions of public transport which were equally important, namely development and business.

A good system of public transport, he said, would encourage the kind of development which was good for the city and its people.

"It would create urban centres that are people-friendly, pedestrian-friendly, the city becomes more livable because people can walk and spend money. They do not have to drive, park or go through traffic jams.

"This community will also save money as the government can save money on roads and transportation and so can the people. We do not have this community in the Klang Valley except in a few of the older areas. Most of our newer communities are designed around cars," he said.

With available infrastructure, profitable businesses can also be generated around public transport stations. Where services are prominent, business operators can also expect increase in profit and property owners can command higher rentals.

"You have the opportunity to advertise and sell land around public transport stations, which in itself can be a profitable enterprise," said Moaz who is an economics lecturer in a Subang Jaya private college.

PLANNING

Moaz argued that issuing more bus or taxi permits and providing more train lines or coaches would not solve public transport woes without proper planning or organisation that would severely impact reliability.

"If we do not include public transport in initial planning to fulfill the transport needs of the community, we are going to see serious problems in the future," he stressed.


According to Moaz, the main shortcoming in public transportation is the complete lack of wholesome or holistic investment.

"We built the LRT line and say the problem is solved and now we can move people. The point is when they get out of the LRT, there is another set of problems the commuters have to deal with. This is what you call the first mile and the last mile connectivity.

"The existing number of feeder buses are inadequate or unreliable and if we do not make the whole service reliable from the first mile to the last mile, then we are not going to get the people to use public transport no matter how many LRTs are built," said Moaz.

SPEND LESS FOR MORE

In terms of costs against the benefits, Transit considers that the LRT is actually one of the least effective choices of public transport.

Citing the Kelana Jaya LRT line, Moaz said currently it was running with double-coach trains and moving about 9,000 passengers in one direction each hour.

"The Kelana Jaya LRT will move approximately 20,000 passengers per hour when they operate the four-coach trains at the end of 2009.

"If we need to move 9,000 or 20,000 people, actually we should be building monorails as it costs less and can move the same number of people," said Moaz.

He also believed that extension of the Kelana Jaya line should continue right to the Shah Alam Stadium as there is ample undeveloped land to the west of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE).

"If we go to the Shah Alam Stadium, we have access not only to Ara Damansara but also Subang, Kampung Melayu Subang and the rest.

"The stadium area is a very large spot, very open and we can have room for a depot, parking, and express bus lanes.

He said the stadium is located near two highways -- the Federal Highway and NKVE, therefore it is viable for a reliable bus system that could move people from Shah Alam to other areas including Subang Jaya, Kota Kemuning, Klang and even Kuala Lumpur.

Transit also suggests plan to extend the LRT from Seri Petaling to Petaling Jaya South and through Petaling Jaya, all the way to Kepong and back to Sentul.

"The Klang Valley Transport Study identifies Petaling Jaya line traveling from PJ South to Taman Tun Dr Ismail. This line can be integrated within our proposed extension to Petaling Jaya. When completed there would be a KL-PJ loop line that could move 60,000 passengers per hour. This would remove thousands of car from the MRRII daily," said Moaz.

Transit has also identified a solution for Puchong and western Petaling Jaya.

"Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong are large roads which move thousands of cars per day. If we expand the KL Monorail to four or six-carriage trains and extend it to MidValley, and then along Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong, we can move 40,000 passengers per hour. MidValley will benefit and we would reduce traffic on Jalan Puchong.

He said in the long term, Transit's approach would build more economic growth for the Klang Valley and Malaysia.


PROVIDE MORE FOR BUSES

The bus service is another area which Transit has great interest in.

According to Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah, Transit's spokesperson, buses are very much affected by the traffic congestion.

He said highways and expressways could be used as alternative routes for buses.

As an illustration, he said, 30 buses were more than capable to relieve the maximum amount of free flow traffic that the 1.2 billion Ringgit Akleh( Ampang-KL Elevated Highway) can sustain at any one time.

He also proposed that expressways be used as 'Expressway Rapid Transit' (ERT) tracks with ERT buses functioning as 'trains'.

Muhammad Zulkarnain said bus 'stations' could be built on top of these 'tracks' at identified strategic transit points with high suburban population.

"Bus terminals for suburban feeder bus services together with depots and car parks can be built inside the suburban area and next to the ERT points so that transit time can be cut short," he explained.

Accordingly, three strategic Kuala Lumpur gateway points for ERT buses can be created at KL Sentral/Mid Valley, Imbi (near the Pandan Roundabout) and Sentul Timur with dedicated bus ramps to Jalan Travers for direct access to NKVE and NPE, KL-Putrajaya and Duke Expressway respectively.

The gateway points should be conveniently linked to Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Lines besides KL Monorail while the Dang Wangi LRT Station could be the main gateway point that caters to ERT buses from Ampang via Akleh, he said.

"This is because it sits strategically at the west end point of Akleh. To fill up the demand during rush hours, express bus operators should be allowed to bid for periodical contract to serve ERT buses in which they will be paid based on a set of criteria set up by the transport authority," Muhammad Zulkarnain explained.

He said all buses and bus stops as well as mass-transit terminals should be designed based on the universal accessibility principle that would speed up bus service and encourage people to use them.

POLITICAL WILL

To fix the public transport system, it needs a strong political will. It also requires intervention from higher ups as voiced out by both Moaz and Muhammad Zulkarnain.

They proposed the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Transport led by members of Parliaments from both sides of the divide.


"The infrastructure is already there. It is just getting everybody to cooperate for the sake of facing this problem and not thinking of their particular vested interest," said Moaz.

He also stressed that a proper public transport system that provides a level of standard should also be available across the nation and not just only for the Klang Valley.

"If we stick to what we are doing, we are going to stagnate. Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore have invested in their public transport networks. Jakarta has an exemplary Bus Rapid Transit System. They built seven lines in four years and three more are under construction.

"Bangkok has expanded their Metro and Skytrain and they are building Bus Rapid Transit and Airport Express line. Singapore is building three MRT lines and three more are being planned.

"There is a lot of work ahead but it can be done if we just change our attitude, our perception in public transport," said Moaz.

-- BERNAMA

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Rencana
22 Oktober, 2008 11:08 AM

Tukar Imej Pengangkutan Awam

Oleh Melati Mohd Ariff

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Okt (Bernama) -- Padat dan bersesak-sesak di dalam bas dan tren atau terkandas kerana kerosakan atau tren tiba lewat adalah rungutan yang lazim didengar mengenai pengangkutan awam kita.

Ini mendorong Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi `turun padang' untuk merasai sendiri keperitan yang dialami pengguna pengangkutan awam apabila beliau menaiki tren komuter dan LRT.

Beliau membuat kesimpulan orang ramai memerlukan sistem pengangkutan awam yang lebih cekap, boleh diharap dan bersepadu yang memberikan perkhidmatan lebih lancar.

Di Lembah Klang, secara purata terdapat 400,000 pengguna perkhidmatan bas setiap hari sementara 350,000 lagi menggunakan tren RapidKL. Secara keseluruhannya RapidKL menyediakan 44 peratus daripada perkhidmatan awam Lembah Klang.

Ini antara statistik yang terkandung dalam Ucapan Belanjawan 2009 Perdana Menteri pada 29 Ogos lepas. Bagi memperbaiki kecekapan pengangkutan awam, kerajaan memperuntuk RM35 bilion untuk tempoh 2009-2014.

Antara rancangan pembaikan ialah meningkatkan kapasiti perkhidmatan rel sedia ada, membina laluan rel baru dan menambah bilangan bas.

Sudah tentu pengguna termasuk penduduk di Lembah Klang kini menaruh harapan menggunung masalah yang bagai tiada penghujung yang dihadapi mereka setiap hari akan berakhir dengan usaha yang diambil.

UBAH SIKAP

Tanggapan umum yang masih mengaitkan pengangkutan awam hanya memenuhi keperluan golongan berpendapatan rendah, turut perlu diperbetulkan.

"Tidak tepat untuk mengaitkan pengangkutan awam dengan orang miskin sahaja. Salah satu fungsi pengangkutan awam ialah membolehkan orang bergerak dari satu tempat ke satu tempat yang lain. Ia juga untuk keperluan mereka yang mempunyai pilihan untuk tidak menggunakan kenderaan persendirian," ujar Moaz Yusof Ahmad, aktivis pengangkutan awam.

Beliau merupakan penasihat 'Transit' (Persatuan untuk Pembaikan Transit Massa-Lembah Klang), kumpulan aktivis pengangkutan awam yang baru ditubuhkan.

Moaz berkata orang lupa bahawa pengangkutan awam turut berfungsi untuk pembangunan dan perniagaan.

Sistem pengangkutan awam yang baik dapat merangsang pembangunan yang baik untuk pertumbuhan sesebuah bandar raya serta penghuninya, katanya.

"Ia dapat mewujudkan pusat bandar yang mesra penduduk, pejalan kaki dan bandar itu sendiri menjadi lebih mesra untuk didiami. Kita boleh ke mana-mana dengan hanya berjalan kaki tanpa perlu memandu. Komuniti ini boleh berjimat, sama juga dengan kerajaan yang boleh menjimatkan perbelanjaan daripada perlu membina jalan raya dan menyediakan kemudahan pengangkutan.

"Belum ada lagi komuniti ini di Lembah Klang kecuali beberapa kawasan penempatan lama. Kebanyakan komuniti baru direka bentuk dengan mengambil kira kemudahan berkereta," katanya.

Dengan prasarana yang sedia ada, perniagaan yang menguntungkan juga boleh dijana di sekeliling stesen pengangkutan awam.

"Pengusaha perniagaan dapat menjangkakan peningkatan keuntungan sementara pemilik hartanah boleh mendapat kadar sewaan yang lebih tinggi," kata Moaz yang juga pensyarah ekonomi sebuah kolej swasta di Subang Jaya.

ISU PERANCANGAN

Moaz berpendapat memberi lebih banyak permit teksi atau bas atau menambah lebih banyak laluan atau gerabak tren bukan penyelesaian kepada segala masalah pengangkutan awam.

Perkara pokok, katanya, ialah perancangan yang rapi serta organisasi yang dapat menghasilkan perkhidmatan awam yang cekap.

"Jika kita tidak menyertakan pengangkutan awam dalam perancangan awam untuk memenuhi kehendak komuniti, kita akan berhadapan dengan masalah serius kemudiannya," beliau menekankan.

Moaz berkata kepincangan utama dalam pengangkutan awam negara ini ialah pelaburan yang tidak menyeluruh atau holistik.

"Kita bina laluan LRT dan kita ingat masalah selesai, dan sekarang lebih ramai boleh menggunakan LRT. Hakikatnya bila keluar dari tren LRT, mereka ini berhadapan dengan masalah lain. Ini yang kita istilahkan sebagai penghubung perbatuan pertama dan terakhir.

"Bas pengantara yang disediakan tidak mencukupi dan tidak cekap. Sekiranya kita tidak dapat memastikan keseluruhan perkhidmatan cekap daripada perbatuan pertama hingga ke akhir, kita tidak dapat menarik lebih ramai orang menggunakan pengangkutan awam walau banyak mana sekalipun LRT kita bina," kata Moaz.

BERBELANJA KURANG UNTUK LEBIH MANFAAT

Dari segi kos dan faedah, Transit berpendapat LRT adalah antara pilihan pengangkutan awam yang kurang berkesan.

Mengambil contoh aliran LRT Kelana Jaya, Moaz berkata pada masa ini perkhidmatan itu beroperasi dengan tren dua gerabak, menggerakkan kira-kira 9,000 penumpang sehala sejam.

"LRT Kelana Jaya dijangka menggerakkan sekitar 20,000 penumpang sejam apabila ia mempunyai tren empat gerabak penghujung 2009. Tetapi kos prasarana LRT agak tinggi. Sekiranya kita perlu menggerakkan 9,000 atau 20,000 orang, sepatutnya kita menimbangkan monorel kerana kos pembinaannya lebih rendah dan boleh menggerakkan bilangan penumpang yang sama," kata Moaz.

Beliau juga berpendapat Aliran Kelana Jaya perlu disambung hingga ke stadium Shah Alam memandangkan terdapat banyak tanah ke barat Lebuhraya Baru Lembah Klang (NKVE) belum lagi dimajukan.

"Sekiranya ini dilaksanakan, kita ada akses bukan sahaja ke komuniti Ara Damansara tetapi juga Subang, Kampung Melayu Subang, Shah Alam dan sebagainya. Kawasan stadium adalah luas, membolehkan kita mempunyai depot dan kemudahan letak kereta.

"Kita juga boleh membina lorong bas ekspres atau sistem Bas-Rapid Transit (BRT) untuk memberi khidmat kepada kawasan pinggir kota di mana pembinaan LRT tidak kos-efektif," katanya.

"Stadium Shah Alam juga terletak berhampiran Lebuhraya Persekutuan dan NKVE. Oleh yang demikian, kita boleh mengadakan sistem bas yang cekap yang dapat menggerakkan orang dari stadium Shah Alam ke kawasan lain termasuk Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Kota Kemuning, Klang malahan hingga ke KL," cadang beliau.

Transit juga menyokong rancangan LRT disambung dari Seri Petaling ke Petaling Jaya Selatan menerusi Petaling Jaya, sehingga ke Kepong dan balik semua ke Sentul.

"Kajian Pengangkutan Lembah Klang mengenal pasti aliran Petaling Jaya bergerak dari PJ Selatan ke Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. Aliran ini boleh diintegrasikan dengan sambungan yang kami cadangkan ke Petaling Jaya. Apabila siap, kita akan ada aliran lengkap KL-PJ yang boleh menggerakkan 60,000 penumpang sejam. Ini akan mengurangkan beribu-ribu kereta daripada menggunakan MRRII setiap hari," kata Moaz.

Transit juga mengenalpasti penyelesaian untuk Puchong dan kawasan barat Petaling Jaya.

"Jalan Klang Lama dan Jalan Puchong adalah jalan besar yang digunakan beribu-ribu kereta sehari. Jika kita luaskan KL Monorail kepada tren dengan empat atau enam gerabak dan sambungkan hingga ke MidValley, dan kemudian sepanjang Jalan Klang Lama dan Jalan Puchong, kita boleh menggerakkan 40,000 penumpang sejam. Kawasan MidValley akan mendapat manfaat dan boleh mengurangkan kesesakan trafik di Jalan Puchong.

"Dalam masa jangka panjang, pendekatan kami dapat merangsang pertumbuhan ekonomi untuk Lembah Klang dan Malaysia," hujah Moaz.

MENYEDIAKAN LEBIH BANYAK BAS

Perkhidmatan bas adalah satu lagi bidang pengangkutan awam yang menjadi perhatian Transit.

Menurut Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah, jurucakap Transit, perkhidmatan bas amat terjejas akibat kesesakan trafik.

Sebagai penyelesaian, beliau berkata lebuh raya boleh digunakan sebagai laluan alternatif untuk bas.

Sebagai ilustrasi, beliau berkata 30 bas adalah lebih daripada mencukupi untuk menggantikan maksimum trafik pada satu-satu masa, yang menggunakan Lebuhraya Bertingkat Ampang-KL (Akleh) yang dibina dengan kos RM1.2 bilion.

Beliau juga mencadangkan lebuh raya digunakan sebagai trek 'Expressway Rapid Transit' (ERT) dengan bas ERT sebagai 'tren'.

Muhammad Zulkarnain mencadangkan 'stesen' bas boleh dibina di atas 'trek' ini di lokasi transit yang strategik dengan jumlah penduduk pinggir kota yang tinggi.

"Terminal bas untuk khidmat bas pengantara pinggir kota serta depot dan tempat letak kereta boleh dibina di kawasan pinggir kota, berhampiran lokasi ERT supaya masa transit dapat disingkatkan," jelasnya.

Sehubungan itu tiga lokasi pintu masuk ke Kuala Lumpur untuk bas ERT boleh diwujudkan di KL Sentral/Mid Valley, Imbi (berhampiran Bulatan Pandan) dan Sentul Timur dengan laluan bas khusus ke Jalan Travers untuk akses langsung ke NKVE dan NPE, KL-Putrajaya, dan DUKE Expressway, katanya.

Lokasi pintu masuk ini mempunyai hubungan mudah ke LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling LRT, LRT Kelana Jaya dan aliran KL Monorail sementara Stesen LRT Dang Wangi boleh dijadikan sebagai lokasi pintu masuk utama untuk menampung bas ERT dari Ampang menerusi Akleh.

"Ini memandangkan kedudukannya yang strategik di bahagian barat Akleh. Bagi menampung keperluan pada waktu puncak, pengendali bas ekspres yang memiliki bas dua tingkat yang boleh menampung bilangan penumpang yang ramai perlu dibenarkan untuk membuat tawaran kontrak berkala menjalankan khidmat bas ERT," kata Muhammad Zulkarnain.

Beliau berkata semua bas dan perhentian bas serta pengangkutan utama perlu direkabentuk menurut prinsip 'universal accessibility' yang dapat mempercepat khidmat bas dan menggalakkan orang ramai menggunakan perkhidmatan itu.

PERLU KESUNGGUHAN JITU

Moaz dan Muhammad Zulkarnain sependapat bahawa penyelesaian kepada kemelut pengangkutan awam memerlukan campur tangan daripada pihak tertinggi kerajaan.

Mereka turut mencadangkan penubuhan Jawatankuasa Pemilihan Parlimen mengenai Pengangkutan Awam yang dianggotai wakil rakyat parti pemerintah dan pembangkang.

"Prasarananya sudah ada. Apa yang diperlukan ialah untuk semua pihak bekerjasama meleraikan kekusutan ini dan bukan hanya untuk memenuhi kepentingan peribadi," kata Moaz.

Beliau turut menegaskan supaya sistem pengangkutan awam yang standard turut diguna pakai di seluruh negara dan bukan hanya untuk Lembah Klang.

"Jika kita terus dengan apa yang kita lakukan sekarang, kemajuan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi tidak berkembang. Jakarta, Bangkok dan Singapura membuat banyak pelaburan dalam rangkaian pengangkutan awam masing-masing. Jakarta mempunyai sistem Bus Rapid Transit yang patut dicontohi. Mereka membina tujuh Aliran dalam tempoh empat tahun dan tiga lagi sedang dalam pembinaan.

"Bangkok sudah mengembangkan tren Metro dan Skytrain dan mereka sedang membina Bus Rapid Transit serta Aliran Ekspres Lapangan Terbang. Singapura sedang membina tiga Aliran MRT dan tiga lagi sedang dirancang.

"Memang banyak kerja yang perlu dilakukan tetapi ia boleh dibuat sekiranya kita menukar sikap dan persepsi kita tentang pengangkutan awam," kata Moaz.

-- BERNAMA

by Kembara Malaysia

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Putrajaya

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Putrajaya
by ahuque

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/1515787269_6b231a2231_b.jpg

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Time For Some Dignity In Malaysia's Public Transport


I just returned from Yemen a country with small economy compared to Malaysia and guess what.. their public transportation system is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay ahead of us . In both Yemeni towns i went to ( Sana'a & Aden ) there is "Shared minibus system" with very high frequency ( 5-10 mins in every route, and all parts of Sana'a & Aden are covered ) and very high efficiency & service ( very honest and friendly bus drivers who stop when they see ppl signalling to stop ) .

That's between 2 points within city area

But between Sana'a/ Aden and their nearby suburbs there is a system called " Shared taxi " ( Yemenis call it Peugeout cars ) . in Sana'a and Aden there is a central Peugeout station divided into several platforms based on dstination. For example if I had finished my job in Sana'a and wanna return to my home in Shamlan which is 25 km away .. the first thing I do is to get a Shared minibus from my office to Sana'a central Peugeout terminal ( 5-10 mins frequency , fare never exceeds 1 Ringgit ). Then from Sana'a central Peugeout terminal I can simply catch my Peugeout ( Shared taxi ) heading to Shamlan ( departures every 10-15 mins, fare around 2 Ringgit ).

In Aden I had a long talk with one Yemeni student who had been studying in Malaysia for 2 years and he was also wondering on why such a developed country like Malaysia with billions of $$$ poured into building those superb roads and highways has an extremely terrible public transportation , while in Yemen moving around is super fast and very easy.

Just found this news!

Yemen Needs Outside Help To Tackle Piracy
October 20, 2008 18:02 PM

DUBAI, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- With a coastguard fleet of only 25 boats, Yemen is finding it difficult to stop the rising incidents of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden, said an official.

Countries like Yemen, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia, with their limited resources, could not tackle the scourge alone and needed help from European and North American partners, said Col Lotf Al Baraty, the director of Yemeni coastguard in Aden.

He said some companies had asked coastguard vessels to escort their ships "but we cannot do that".

"We can do nothing to stop piracy in the Gulf of Aden. It's far away from our ability," The National quoted him as saying.

Distress calls from ships attacked by pirates were a daily affair, he said, "but our resources are limited".

He attributed the rising tide of piracy to countries and shipping companies fulfilling ransom demands.

The United Arab Emirates' daily also quoted Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu Bakr Al Qirbi as saying that the restoration of peace and stability in war-torn Somalia was the only solution to instability plaguing the Horn of Africa and the rise in pirate attacks.

He said Arab countries on the Red Sea, another area prone to piracy, should work together to maintain the security of the waterway.

The newspaper, citing the International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre, said 62 attacks had occurred in the first nine months of 2008, with 13 vessels still being held by Somali pirates.

Two Malaysian ships belonging to MISC Berhad were seized in the Gulf of Aden on Aug 19 and Aug 29.

The vessels had since been released and their crew members had returned home safely.

-- BERNAMA
Transport in Yemen

As a direct consequence of the country’s poverty, Yemen compares unfavorably with its Middle Eastern neighbors in terms of transportation infrastructure and communications network. Roads are generally poor, although several projects are planned to upgrade the system. There is no rail network, efforts to upgrade airport facilities have languished, and telephone and Internet usage and capabilities are limited. The Port of Aden has shown a promising recovery from a 2002 attack; container throughput increased significantly in 2004 and 2005. However, the expected imposition of higher insurance premiums for shippers in 2006 may result in reduced future throughput. The announcement in summer 2005 that the port’s main facility, Aden Container Terminal, would for the next 30 or more years be run by Dubai Ports International brings with it the prospect of future expansion.

Just found this news!I guess yemen is too busy investing in public transport to invest in the other infrastructure. :lol:

Cheers, m

Featuring Volvo B7RLE in 2 different bodyworks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct23-33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct23-20.jpg

by ramzan2007

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2949186499_35ed7da873_b.jpg

Featuring Volvo B7RLE in 2 different bodyworks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct23-33.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/oct08/oct23-20.jpgno more wheelchair symbol on the front of the bus at the doors?

Cheers, m

Not too sure where it went! :lol:

Anyway these 2 actually have the same bodywork from Gemilang Coachworks Sdn Bhd, but with different 'fronts'. The bottom resembles the bodywork found on MAN's Lion's City completely built-up model while the top is Gemilang-customised.

Noh: Higher fares next year


PUTRAJAYA: Higher fares for public transport will be announced early next year, said Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar.

The new rates include those for stage buses, taxis and schoolbuses.

Noh said the new rates would take into consideration public interest, the industry’s viability and the many incentives the Government had announced in Budget 2009 for the public transport sector.

“I cannot say how much the increase will be as the ministry is still trying to determine the most appropriate rates for taxis, stage, express and schoolbuses,” he told reporters after attending the ministry’s Family Day yesterday.

“However, I do not foresee the hike to be 100% as requested by some players in the industry.”

Noh gave an assurance that the new fares would not burden lower wage earners, who made up the majority of public transportation users.

“At the same time, we also have to consider the needs and abilities of the transport companies, to ensure they can continue to provide effective and efficient service to the public,” he said.

“We do not want them to close shop because it will only cause inconvenience and burden the public.”

Not too sure where it went! :lol:

Anyway these 2 actually have the same bodywork from Gemilang Coachworks Sdn Bhd, but with different 'fronts'. The bottom resembles the bodywork found on MAN's Lion's City completely built-up model while the top is Gemilang-customised.It sounds great.

By the way, I have been told that 1/2 of the new fleet of 200 buses that RapidPenang is buying are coming from Scania, modeled after the latest bus in Singapore.

I will give some more details as I get them.

Cheers, m

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/Frontpage/2402525/Article/index_html



Bus operators want 100 per cent increase in fares
By : Suganthi Suparmaniam

KUALA LUMPUR: Roti canai and teh tarik prices are down. Hypermarkets are slashing food prices. And more importantly, fuel prices are still coming down.
But bus operators want a staggering 100 per cent increase in bus fares.

Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) president Datuk Mohd Ashfar Ali said they were willing to settle for a 70 per cent increase "if the government fulfils our conditions".

The conditions include slashing the price of subsidised diesel from RM1.43 per litre to RM1, fixing quotas of a maximum of 6,000 litres per month for stage buses and 9,000 litres for express buses monthly, and giving a monthly subsidy for stage buses that cover social and rural routes.

"The 30 per cent surcharge is nothing. Although global oil prices have come down, the price of everything else like spare parts, lubricants and wages have increased. The public will have to face reality," he said.

During the Hari Raya festive period, express and stage busses were allowed to impose a 30 per cent fare surcharge for one month between Sept 15 and Oct 15.

Ashfar slammed those who had criticised the surcharge as excessive.

"If they think they can operate buses at a lower prices, then let them take over. They are most welcome. Maybe they can get cheaper spare parts or even get workers working for free."

Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB) executive director Tengku Hasmadi Tengku Hashim said bus companies had been losing millions since the last fare increase three years ago.

"Although the non-subsidised diesel price has dropped now, subsidised diesel price increased 120 per cent in 2005 and had remained at that price since. We have been suffering losses since then," he said.

"The diesel component is one-third of our operational costs. So a 120 per cent increase is about 40 per cent increase to our costs. The 30 per cent surcharge is not enough and there is still a 10 per cent loss."

Tengku Hasmadi said since 2005, prices of tyres shot up by 56 per cent, windshields 85 per cent, batteries 126 per cent and lubricants 160 per cent.

He said operators, even big ones, had to absorb these losses and said the government should allow for a fare increase or lower the price of subsidised diesel.

Last month, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said the surcharge would remain until a decision on a new rate for bus fares was made.

Improve public transport to benefit all, urges Fomca


PETALING JAYA: The Government has been urged not to rest on its laurels and not to try to be popular by merely lowering pump prices of petrol and diesel.

Fomca secretary-general Muhd Sha’ani Abdullah said the Government would be missing the point if fuel prices were reduced without developing and improving public transport at the same time.

“The new petrol and diesel prices would only affect consumers at the petrol pumps. The industry and manufacturing sectors won’t receive the reductions.

“If freight and transport rates are not down, how can we expect other consumer products to go down?” Sha’ani said yesterday.

He added that the lower prices would only benefit private vehicle owners and leave public transport users in the lurch when more cars take to the roads following the slashed prices.

“The Government must continue to channel funds to other sectors, such as having subsidised fares for public transport to spread the benefit to more people,” Sha’ani said.

He also said the recent price reductions by hypermarkets were normal sale reductions and had less to do with the fuel price cuts.

Sha’ani agreed with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who said that consumers should continue to be prudent with their spending on petrol and energy usage.

“Consumers have to look beyond the 15-sen saving and spend wisely,” he said.

Petroleum dealers also continued to incur losses with the latest fuel price reduction, said Malaysian Petroleum Dealers Association acting president Abdul Wahid Bidin.

“We hope this reduction will be the last. Otherwise, we won’t be able to plan ahead and doing business will be very difficult,” he said.

On Tuesday, RON97 petrol dropped to RM2 per litre, RON92 to RM1.90 and diesel to RM1.90.

According to Abdul Wahid, the association had received reports that several petrol kiosks in Sungai Besi, Titiwangsa, Subang Jaya and Nilai have closed after suffering losses from the frequent price reductions.

Pengusaha bas tetap tuntut naik tambang


KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan Pengusaha Bas Seluruh Malaysia (PMBOA) tidak akan menarik balik tuntutan supaya kerajaan menaikkan tambang bas 70 hingga 100 peratus walaupun harga minyak turun.

Presidennya, Datuk Ashfar Ali, berkata penurunan harga minyak tidak boleh dijadikan alasan menarik balik tuntutan kerana permintaan itu dibuat dua tahun lalu, sebelum kenaikan harga minyak.

"Tambang bas lama tidak dinaikkan. Kita minta kerajaan naikkan tambang ketika harga diesel 88 sen seliter lagi.



"Walaupun harga diesel turun pada kadar RM1.90 seliter, pengusaha bas masih terpaksa membayar pada harga tinggi berbanding dua tahun lalu iaitu RM1.43 sen seliter ketika ini," katanya, di sini, semalam.

Kelmarin, akhbar melaporkan kerajaan tidak akan penuhi tuntutan tambang dinaikkan 70 hingga 100 peratus sebaliknya menunggu keputusan kajian keseluruhan sebelum memutuskan jumlah kenaikan, tahun depan.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar, berkata jika kerajaan menaikkan tambang, ia tidak mencapai kenaikan seperti dituntut kerana tidak mahu membebankan pengguna.

Ashfar berkata, pihaknya akur sekiranya tambang yang akan dinaikkan tidak seperti yang dikehendaki tetapi berharap ia akan disusuli dengan kemudahan atau insentif lain yang bakal ditawarkan kerajaan bagi membantu mengurangkan kos operasi ditanggung pengusaha bas.

"Saya yakin menteri akan mempertimbangkan permintaan kita dengan mengambil kira semua pandangan serta kajian yang kami kemukakan untuk kebaikan semua pihak sama ada pengusaha atau pengguna.

"Kita juga akan adakan dialog dengan menteri terlebih dulu bagi membincangkan lagi mengenai perkara ini sebelum beliau membuat keputusan," katanya.

Proposal to build two-decked bus-stops
Published: 2008/11/22

BUS-STOP Development and Advertisement Sdn Bhd (BSDA) is proposing to local authorities a private financing initiative (PFI) to upgrade existing bus stops to double-decked air-conditioned structures on a deferred payment basis.

Managing director Abdul Murad Abdul Malek said the company's proposed upgraded bus-stop would be similar in size to two units of 40-footer containers stacked on top of another.

"It will be glass-walled, air-conditioned and equipped with toilet facilities and a mini cafe," he said after signing a collaborative agreement in Kuala Lumpur yesterday with Korean technical experts to facilitate bids for bus-stop upgrading concessions.

Also present were International Construction and Civil Engineering Co Ltd president director Park Il Chun and air-conditioner maker Hanaro Gongjo Co Ltd president Kim Dong Joo.

Kim said his company holds the patent to an integrated and "quiet" compressor air-conditioner that is energy efficient and eco-friendly.

"If there is good take-up of our air-conditioners from this bus-stop project, we may want to put up a factory here," he said.

In Malaysia, bus stops are usually built and upgraded on a design-and-build basis where payment is made to the contractor progressively.

Abdul Murad is offering to state governments the option to not pay upfront for work done on bus-stops, but award long-term concessions and advertisement rights instead.

"Financing will not be a problem as bankers agree that this business model is feasible," he said.

"We've proposed this idea to the Selangor state government and we've identified 1,700 sites that are suitable to be upgraded into air-conditioned bus-stops," he said.

Abdul Murad estimates the market value of upgrading 10,000 bus-stops throughout Malaysia to total about RM300 million.

"This is excluding advertisement rights, of course," he said.

KL Hop On Hop
http://www.myhoponhopoff.com/
by Kavi Glenister

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/4/2/21/f_08m_c7946fa.jpg

24 buses seized for various offences
NST Online » Local News 2008/11/22
By : Fadhal A. Ghani

http://www.nst.com.my/Saturday/National/2408961/insidepix1

Mohd Nadzri Osman (in a suit) and senior RTD enforcement
officers inspecting some of the seized buses.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department seized 24 public transport buses on Thursday for committing 42 offences, including operating outside the route stated in their permits.
The buses were seized in the Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, Pandan Indah and Ampang Jaya areas in a 14-hour operation which began at 4am.

Of the buses seized, 22 were found operating outside permitted routes, six did not have a conductor, five did not display a photocopy of their permit and two were operating without a permit.

Checks revealed that most of the buses were supposed to operate in Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Cheras Perdana, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock and other destinations in the city.

The department's Federal Territory director Mohd Nadzri Osman said the buses belonged to four companies.
"One bus conductor was found to be a foreigner. We believe she is an illegal as she did not have any proper travel documents."

The woman, however, escaped while officers were busy inspecting the buses and documents of the drivers and conductors."

Nadzri said the operation was was carried out after the public had complained about the difficulty of getting buses in their area.

He said that many bus companies had also complained about rivals operating in their areas.

"Before the operation, we had conducted surveillance for several weeks."

I HATE METROBUS!!! I ALWAYS HATE THEM!!!

It sounds great.

By the way, I have been told that 1/2 of the new fleet of 200 buses that RapidPenang is buying are coming from Scania, modeled after the latest bus in Singapore.

I will give some more details as I get them.

Cheers, m

Cool...! While there are a lot of Scania coaches, I haven't seen any Scania citybuses running in Malaysia yet!

Bus-Stop, firma Korea majukan hentian bas RM300j
ARKIB : 22/11/2008
Oleh Daliza Ariffin

KUALA LUMPUR 21 Nov. - Bus-Stop Development & Advertisement Sdn. Bhd. (Bus-Stop) kini bekerjasama dengan dua syarikat dari Korea Selatan untuk melaksanakan projek pembinaan hentian bas bernilai RM300 juta.

Pengerusi Bus-Stop, Zaharey Jusoh berkata, projek itu akan membabitkan pembinaan 1,000 hentian bas melalui konsep bina, operasi dan pindah (BOT) di Semenanjung dalam tempoh dua tahun akan datang dan ia akan dimulakan pada awal tahun depan.

Menurutnya, projek itu akan dibangunkan di hentian bas sedia ada seluruh negara yang berpotensi melalui konsep BOT dan diserahkan semula kepada pihak berkuasa tempatan dalam tempoh yang ditetapkan nanti.

''Kami akan menemui beberapa pihak berkuasa tempatan untuk membentangkan cadangan projek berpotensi ini dalam masa terdekat ini,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas majlis menandatangani perjanjian antara Bus-Stop dengan dua syarikat dari Korea tersebut, International Construction & Civil Engineering Management Company Ltd. (ICCEM) dan Hanaro Gongjo Co. Ltd. (Hanaro), di sini hari ini.

Zaharey menjelaskan, projek sulung syarikat bumiputera yang terbabit dalam projek pembinaan prasarana sejak enam hingga tujuh bulan lalu itu bakal direalisasikan di sekitar Selangor terlebih dahulu.

Tambahnya, Bus-Stop akan terlibat dalam projek pembinaan tersebut manakala ICCEM dan Hanaro akan menyediakan dana serta membantu dalam menyediakan khidmat teknikal dan kemahiran tinggi.

''Melalui projek ini, hentian bas yang kami bangunkan nanti lebih mesra pengguna dan berhawa dingin serta turut memiliki kemudahan yang lengkap seperti surau, tandas, ruang pengiklanan dan ruang niaga termasuk restoran,'' jelas beliau.

Beliau berkata, syarikat optimis terhadap projek tersebut kerana ia mampu menjana pendapatan khasnya daripada ruang pengiklanan yang disediakan di hentian bas berkenaan.

I HATE METROBUS!!! I ALWAYS HATE THEM!!!
__________________
***malaysians complaining too much.....too much!****ah, sweet irony :lol::cheers:

Cheers, m

Cool...! While there are a lot of Scania coaches, I haven't seen any Scania citybuses running in Malaysia yet!most of the Cityliner buses on the KL-Klang, Shah Alam-Klang and Klang-Banting routes are Scania citybuses.

Cheers, m

Rancangan wujud RapidKuantan

Oleh YUSRI SAHAT

KUANTAN 25 Nov. - Kerajaan Pahang merancang mewujudkan rangkaian perkhidmatan bas RapidKuantan yang menyamai RapidKL bagi meningkatkan sistem pengangkutan awam di sini.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Perumahan, Kemudahan Asas dan Pengangkutan negeri, Datuk Mohd. Soffi Razak (gambar) berkata, bagi tujuan itu, kerajaan negeri merancang membeli 40 buah bas untuk memberi perkhidmatan kepada penduduk bandar ini.

Bagaimanapun, kata beliau, cadangan yang dikemukakan kepada Kementerian Pengangkutan itu masih dalam kajian Jawatankuasa Khas Kabinet Mengenai Pengangkutan Awam.

''Kertas cadangan untuk menyediakan sistem pengangkutan yang lebih bersistematik itu dikemukakan oleh Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan (MPK) kepada Kementerian Pengangkutan pada tahun lalu," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia ketika ditemui di sini hari ini.

Beliau mengulas rungutan penduduk bandar ini mengenai kepincangan perkhidmatan bas awam sebagaimana yang disiarkan dalam ruangan fokus Timur di Utusan Malaysia baru-baru ini.

Mohd. Soffi berkata, antara cadangan yang dikemukakan termasuk mengenai pembelian bas, pengurusan dan operasi perkhidmatan.

''Kita juga mencadangkan MPK mengambil alih pengurusan pengangkutan bas awam di bandar ini.

''Bagaimanapun, cadangan itu ditolak Jawatankuasa Khas Kabinet Mengenai Pengangkutan Awam sebaliknya meminta kerajaan negeri mencari sebuah syarikat lain menguruskan sistem pengangkutan tersebut," jelasnya.

Meskipun tawaran telah dibuat, jelasnya, sehingga kini tidak ada syarikat yang tampil untuk menjalankan operasi tersebut berikutan kosnya yang tinggi.

Selain itu, tambah beliau, MPK juga memohon peruntukan bagi pembinaan terminal bas bersepadu sebanyak RM50 juta, kemudahan park and ride (RM18 juta) dan 30 pondok bas (RM3 juta).

''Setakat ini hanya permohonan membina 30 pondok bas bernilai RM3 juta telah diluluskan Kerajaan Persekutuan," jelasnya.

Di samping itu, tambahnya, dalam mengatasi masalah ketiadaan perkhidmatan bas awam di beberapa kawasan, kerajaan negeri telah mendapatkan kerjasama sebuah syarikat untuk menjalankan operasi di laluan terbabit.

''Kita telah meminta syarikat bas Bee Huat beroperasi di Taman Tas, Sungai Isap hingga ke pusat bandar manakala laluan Cenderawasih, Bukit Setongkol, Semambu hingga ke pusat bandar akan ditentukan oleh Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP)," katanya.

by pyahya2001

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2959759445_32db96b8b1_b.jpg

Bas CityLiner sedang mengisi NGV

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2959759449_f731a419ff_b.jpg

Bas mini operasi semula
Oleh Mohamed Farid Noh
mfarid@bharian.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan semalam membenarkan perkhidmatan bas mini beroperasi semula bagi menampung masalah kekurangan pengangkutan awam terutama di kawasan luar bandar sekali gus meringankan beban pengguna di kawasan itu.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar, berkata berkuat kuasa hari ini, mana-mana individu serta koperasi yang berminat menawarkan perkhidmatan itu boleh membuat permohonan terus kepada kementeriannya.

Katanya, bas mini itu akan dikenali sebagai Bas Mini Desa dengan perkhidmatannya ditawarkan di kawasan luar bandar yang tidak mempunyai pengangkutan awam terutama bas.

“Kerajaan akan menyeragamkan bas mini berkenaan menerusi bentuk dan warnanya di seluruh negara, manakala struktur tambangnya pula akan diputuskan tidak lama lagi.

“Kerajaan tidak mengenakan sebarang syarat khusus cuma bagi permohonan daripada individu, mereka perlu menyediakan sumber kewangan sendiri bagi melaksanakan perkhidmatan berkenaan manakala koperasi berdaftar boleh memohon pinjaman sehingga RM10 juta daripada Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM),” katanya selepas Mesyuarat Majlis Perundingan Koperasi Kebangsaan, di sini, semalam.

Perkhidmatan bas mini diperkenalkan di negara ini oleh Kementerian Pengangkutan pada 23 September 1975 tetapi perkhidmatannya di Kuala Lumpur ditamatkan sejak 1 Julai 1998.

Mengulas lanjut keputusan berkenaan, Noh berkata, rancangan kerajaan sebelum ini yang mahukan Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) melalui syarikat basnya, MARALiner tidak dapat dilaksanakan kerana kos operasinya terlalu tinggi.







“Selain itu, pengusaha bas sedia ada didapati tidak berminat untuk mengendalikan perkhidmatan bas henti-henti di luar bandar dengan alasan laluan kawasan itu tidak menguntungkan. Sehubungan itu kerajaan memutuskan supaya perkhidmatan itu ditawarkan kepada pihak berminat (individu dan koperasi),” katanya.

Bas mini operasi semula
Oleh Mohamed Farid Noh
mfarid@bharian.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan semalam membenarkan perkhidmatan bas mini beroperasi semula bagi menampung masalah kekurangan pengangkutan awam terutama di kawasan luar bandar sekali gus meringankan beban pengguna di kawasan itu.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar, berkata berkuat kuasa hari ini, mana-mana individu serta koperasi yang berminat menawarkan perkhidmatan itu boleh membuat permohonan terus kepada kementeriannya.

Katanya, bas mini itu akan dikenali sebagai Bas Mini Desa dengan perkhidmatannya ditawarkan di kawasan luar bandar yang tidak mempunyai pengangkutan awam terutama bas.

“Kerajaan akan menyeragamkan bas mini berkenaan menerusi bentuk dan warnanya di seluruh negara, manakala struktur tambangnya pula akan diputuskan tidak lama lagi.

“Kerajaan tidak mengenakan sebarang syarat khusus cuma bagi permohonan daripada individu, mereka perlu menyediakan sumber kewangan sendiri bagi melaksanakan perkhidmatan berkenaan manakala koperasi berdaftar boleh memohon pinjaman sehingga RM10 juta daripada Suruhanjaya Koperasi Malaysia (SKM),” katanya selepas Mesyuarat Majlis Perundingan Koperasi Kebangsaan, di sini, semalam.

Perkhidmatan bas mini diperkenalkan di negara ini oleh Kementerian Pengangkutan pada 23 September 1975 tetapi perkhidmatannya di Kuala Lumpur ditamatkan sejak 1 Julai 1998.

Mengulas lanjut keputusan berkenaan, Noh berkata, rancangan kerajaan sebelum ini yang mahukan Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) melalui syarikat basnya, MARALiner tidak dapat dilaksanakan kerana kos operasinya terlalu tinggi.







“Selain itu, pengusaha bas sedia ada didapati tidak berminat untuk mengendalikan perkhidmatan bas henti-henti di luar bandar dengan alasan laluan kawasan itu tidak menguntungkan. Sehubungan itu kerajaan memutuskan supaya perkhidmatan itu ditawarkan kepada pihak berminat (individu dan koperasi),” katanya.translation please?

I guess this article is bout the CVLB's Bas Mini Desa plan?

Cheers, m

Surcaj bas sekolah 30 peratus
Oleh Amin Ridzuan Ishak
aminridzuan@bharian.com.my
Bayaran lebihan tambang antara RM9 hingga RM30

KUALA LUMPUR: Mulai sesi persekolahan Januari depan, ibu bapa murid yang menggunakan perkhidmatan bas sekolah untuk menghantar anak ke sekolah perlu membayar surcaj sebanyak 30 peratus.

Perkara itu diputuskan Persekutuan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Semenanjung Malaysia (PPBSSM) selepas ketiadaan perkembangan berhubung tuntutan mereka supaya kerajaan menambah subsidi diesel sebanyak 43 sen seliter.

Ini bermakna, tindakan pengusaha bas sekolah yang mengenakan surcaj buat pertama kali sejak perkhidmatan bas sekolah ditawarkan, akan menyebabkan ibu bapa membayar lebihan tambang antara RM9 hingga RM30 setiap seorang murid.

Ketika ini, tambang perlu dibayar ibu bapa kepada pengusaha bas adalah di antara RM30 hingga RM120 sebulan mengikut lokasi dengan tarif berkenaan dianggarkan mengikut kadar diluluskan kerajaan berkuat kuasa 15 Mac 2006

Presiden PPBSSM, Chee Ah Tey, berkata pihaknya mengenakan kadar surcaj sebanyak 30 peratus itu kerana tidak menerima sebarang perkembangan mengenai tuntutan supaya subsidi diesel ditambah sebanyak 43 sen seliter berbanding RM1.43 diterima ketika ini.

"Sehingga kini, pengusaha masih belum menerima apa-apa berita mengenainya dan kami memutuskan supaya surcaj sebanyak 30 peratus dikenakan bagi membolehkan pengusaha terus beroperasi serta mengaut sedikit keuntungan.

"Walaupun kerajaan memberikan diesel subsidi pada kadar RM1.43 sen seliter kepada kami sejak 2006, pengusaha turut menghadapi masalah seperti kenaikan kos alat ganti termasuk tayar, bateri dan upah pekerja.

"Ditambah dengan kadar subsidi diesel diterima ketika ini (RM1.43 seliter), sudah tentu kami tidak boleh bertahan. Sebab itu, kami mahu kerajaan menambah subsidi diesel kepada RM1 seliter bagi meringankan beban pengusaha," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini, semalam.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas cadangan pihaknya untuk mengenakan surcaj 30 peratus seperti dipersetujui ahlinya pada Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan ke-36 PPBSSM, yang diadakan awal bulan ini.

Chee berkata, pihaknya sudah memaklumkan kepada ibu bapa murid mengenai langkah mengenakan surcaj 30 peratus dan majoriti daripadanya bersedia membayar tambang lebih tinggi.

"Kami langsung tidak berniat membebankan mereka. Cuma kami juga perlu memikirkan mengenai nasib kami supaya mampu memberikan perkhidmatan untuk jangka masa panjang.

"Lagipun, surcaj ini hanyalah sementara dan kami akan menghentikannya jika kerajaan mengumumkan kadar tambang baru pengangkutan pada awal tahun depan seperti dijanjikan sebelum ini," katanya.

Sementara itu, mengulas isu berkaitan, Chee berkata, pihaknya semalam, menyerahkan memorandum terbaru berhubung cadangan kenaikan kadar tambang serta penambahan subsidi diesel kepada Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP).

"Ia selaras dengan arahan mereka (LPKP) sendiri supaya kami menghantar memorandum baru berikutan memorandum dihantar sebelum ini tidak jelas," katanya.

Pengusaha bas tetap kenakan surcaj 30 peratus


PUTRAJAYA: Lebih 15,000 ahli Persekutuan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Semenanjung Malaysia (PPBSSM) dijangka meneruskan cadangan mengenakan surcaj 30 peratus daripada tambang perkhidmatan bas sekolah mulai Januari ini walaupun Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) enggan melayan permintaan mereka.

Presidennya, Chee Ah Tey, berkata beliau tidak boleh memberi jaminan ahli persatuan akan menangguhkan kenaikan tambang bas sekolah kerana kebanyakan mereka berdepan peningkatan kos operasi dan penyelenggaraan kenderaan.

"Saya tidak mempunyai kuasa menghalang mereka mengenakan surcaj 30 peratus kerana perkara itu sudah dipersetujui sebulat suara ahli PPBSSM ketika Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan ke-36, awal bulan lalu.



"Isu ini bukan perkara baru kerana kita sudah beberapa kali meminta LPKP mengkaji semula harga tambang bas sekolah tetapi tidak dilayan," katanya kepada Berita Harian semalam.

Surcaj tetap 30 peratus

Oleh AMMAR JAZLAN MAD LELA dan FARHANA HANIM MOHD. MYDIN
berita@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0105/Kosmo/Negara/ne_01.1.jpg
TEKANAN kos operasi menyebabkan tambang bas sekolah naik dan akhirnya ibu bapa yang terpaksa menanggung beban. - Gambar hiasan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


KUALA LUMPUR - Persekutuan Persatuan Bas Sekolah Malaysia (PPBSSM) yang enggan lagi bertolak ansur tetap merancang mengenakan surcaj 30 peratus bagi tambang bas sekolah mulai hari ini.

Tindakan itu adalah bukti mereka tidak mempedulikan amaran Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) yang mahu membatalkan permit operasi mana-mana pengusaha bas jika surcaj itu dikenakan.

Alasan Presiden PPBSSM, Chee Ah Tey ialah pihaknya tidak mempunyai pilihan kerana pelaksanaan surcaj itu telah diputuskan dalam mesyuarat persatuan pada 6 Disember lalu.

"Kami semakin tertekan dengan kenaikan kos operasi, penyenggaraan, alat ganti dan sebagainya yang meningkat sehingga 30 peratus.

"Kalau tidak ada surcaj, ramai ahli kami gulung tikar," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini semalam.



http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0105/Kosmo/Negara/ne_01.2.jpg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Menurut Ah Tey, pengusaha bas sekolah sudah beberapa kali memohon kepada kerajaan untuk menaikkan kadar tambang bas sekolah namun tidak mendapat pertimbangan sewajarnya.

"Pada masa yang sama kita turut memohon subsidi diesel diturunkan daripada RM1.43 kepada RM1 seliter sekiranya permohonan menaikkan tambang bas sekolah ditolak tetapi ia juga tidak dilayan," ujarnya.

Ah Tey memberitahu walaupun kadar surcaj yang ditetapkan adalah 30 peratus, kadar sebenar berbeza-beza mengikut pengusaha bas sekolah di setiap negeri.

Surcaj 30 peratus bas sekolah Mac

Oleh SHAMSHUL FITRI MAJID
fitri@kosmo.com.my

MELAKA - Persekutuan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Semenanjung Malaysia (PPBSSM) akan menangguhkan hasrat mereka untuk mengenakan surcaj tambang bas sekolah sebanyak 30 peratus yang sepatutnya bermula semalam.

Menurut Presidennya, Chee Ah Tey, surcaj itu sebaliknya akan berkuat kuasa 1 Mac ini.

"Persatuan sedar ibu bapa agak tertekan dari segi kewangan memandangkan penggal persekolahan baru bermula dan Tahun Baru Cina akan tiba tidak lama lagi.

"Bagaimanapun, pihak Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) perlu memberi jawapan kepada memorandum yang kami serahkan September lalu untuk tindakan lanjut," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini semalam.

Jelas beliau, memorandum September lalu menggesa LPKP menambah subsidi diesel yang diberikan menjadikan harga belian diturunkan daripada RM1.43 kepada RM1 seliter.

Kelmarin, Ah Tey dilaporkan membuat kenyataan bahawa surcaj tambang bas sekolah sebanyak 30 peratus akan dikenakan mulai penggal baru persekolahan bermula semalam.

Dianggarkan terdapat 15,000 pengusaha bas sekolah seluruh negara dan daripada jumlah itu kira-kira 8,000 berdaftar dengan persatuan tersebut.

Bas, teksi minta naik tambang 100 peratus


KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat pengangkutan bas ekspres, bas henti-henti, bas sekolah dan teksi meminta tambang dinaikkan 60 hingga 100 peratus bagi menampung peningkatan kos operasi.

Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi, Datuk Noh Omar, berkata mereka meminta kerajaan menelitinya kerana kali terakhir tambang pengangkutan awam dinaikkan pada 2005.

“Pertubuhan dan pengusaha bas ekspres, bas henti-henti dan teksi meminta kenaikan 100 peratus, manakala bas sekolah meminta 60 peratus kenaikan. Bagaimanapun mereka menjelaskan ia tidak ada kaitan dengan harga minyak kerana ia tidak memberi kesan kepada pengangkutan awam.



“Ketika tambang dinaikkan pada 2005, harga diesel subsidi adalah 65 sen seliter dan walaupun ia meningkat kepada RM1.43 seliter sekarang, pengusaha masih mampu bertahan dan beroperasi,” katanya selepas majlis perasmian Seminar Pemantapan Imej Pengusaha Teksi Lembah Klang dan penyampaian Surat Tawaran Kelulusan Teksi Lembah Klang (Fasa 1), di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini semalam.

Kelmarin, Berita Harian melaporkan kementerian pada dasarnya setuju menaikkan kadar tambang bagi bas ekspres dan bas henti-henti sebanyak 30 peratus dalam tempoh terdekat. Sumber memberitahu kenaikan dipersetujui dalam mesyuarat khas dipengerusikan Noh bersama 33 pihak berkaitan pengangkutan awam pada Selasa lalu.

Noh berkata, antara sebab utama tambang perlu dinaikkan untuk membiaya kos tayar, bateri, alat ganti, insurans, minyak pelincir dan pengurusan.

“Sebelum ini, jika bas ekspres mendapat 35 penumpang pun syarikat sudah boleh mengaut keuntungan, tetapi sekarang walaupun bas penumpang penuh sekali pun, belum tentu mereka untung,” katanya.

Noh berkata, kertas cadangan akan dirangka dalam masa terdekat sebelum dikemukakan ke Kabinet yang seterusnya akan menilai kewajaran kenaikan yang dicadangkan.

“Kerajaan akan mencari penyelesaian dengan mengambil kira kebajikan rakyat dan memastikan pengusaha tidak terus rugi kerana sudah ada syarikat gagal menjelaskan pinjaman akibat kenaikan kos operasi,” katanya.

New bus services?!

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/3/2/20/f_01m_1135cb4.jpg

New bus services?!

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/3/2/20/f_01m_1135cb4.jpgThe KL-Seremban bus service has been around for a while.

But usually the buses wait in front of the Pasar Seni LRT station.

Cheers, m

SkyBus to lease 65-100 buses for F1 Malaysian Grand Prix
Published: 2009/03/21

SKYBUS Ventures Sdn Bhd, the owner and operator of SkyBus buses, has been appointed by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as the official bus for the upcoming Formula 1 (F1) Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.

SkyBus founder and chief executive officer Chris S. Thiagarajah said between 65 and 100 buses will be leased by the company during the three-day F1 event, which begins on April 3.

Tickets will be sold for RM4 per person for a one- way trip from the LCCT in Sepang to the circuit, RM7 from Nilai and RM15 from Klang Valley.

Klang Valley's pick-up and drop-off points will include KL Sentral, KLCC, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Asia Jaya, Bukit Bintang and MidValley. Buses will depart every 30 minutes.


Thiagarajah said the appointment is seen as a latest triumph for the soon-to-be three-year-old company.

"We hope we will be appointed again in the following years based on our quality and reliable services," he said in an interview.

http://www.skybus.com.my/

Sky Bus

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2277/2427372780_b679afe7ae_o.jpg

Revamp for free PJ bus scheme
Stories and photos by OH ING YEEN


THE free PJ Community Bus Service will revise its routes to provide better service to its target passengers — senior citizens and the poor — in Petaling Jaya.

The service was launched on Aug 17 last year and has two buses going around PJ Selatan (PJS) and PJ Utara (PJU) three times a day from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, except public holidays.

At present, there are 22 stops in PJS and 12 in PJU.

The PJS bus service cater to destinations like the MBPJ complex, the PJ police headquarters, the PJ Commu*nity Library, the Medan Maju Jaya district health centre in PJS 2C/5, the Jalan Othman market in Section 4, and the Taman Jaya LRT station.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/10/central/m_02bus1.jpg
Free service: The air-conditioned PJ community bus, which has been operating since August 2008, can accomodate about 33 passengers.

The PJU bus service passes the roads along the MBPJ complex, the Tesco hypermart, The Curve, Ikano, Section 6 police station, Dataran Sunway police station and the National Registration Department at Section 8.

According to Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Tiew Way Keng, who heads the recently formed PJ Community Bus Service task force, this is the second time that the bus routes are being revised.

“In the first revision, we included the LRT stations as previously the bus only stops at low-cost housing areas,” she said.

“Some people were hesitant to board the bus, thinking that it was meant for MBPJ staff only,” Tiew said.

On Wednesday, Tiew invited reporters to accompany the task force for a one-and-half-hour ride on one of the buses to observe and study the route.

Several shortcomings were observed during the trip. For example, there was no information on the bus schedule for people to know the time the bus would arrive at a particular stop, and there was also no bus stop sign to indicate where the people can wait for the bus.

Asked why the task force was only formed eight months after the service was launched, Tiew said that the service was previously the responsible of the engineering department.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/4/10/central/m_02salina.jpg
Let’s go: Salina (right) and her son Mohd Harilad boarding the PJ community bus.

“During the first few months, the response was good but fewer and fewer used the service after that,” she said.

According to Tiew, the PJS service has an average of 30 passengers a day while only about 10 people use the PJU service each day.

Each air-conditioned bus can accommodate 33 passengers — 23 seating and 10 standing.

“According to the feedback we have received, some people want the bus to stick to the main roads and not turn into the lanes in low-cost housing areas as it takes a long time for them to reach their destination,” Tiew said.

“The reason for going into residential areas is to been more convenient to the old folks,” she said.

During the press tour in the bus during noontime, there was no one waiting at most of the stops, and only four passengers boarded the bus.

Salina Lateh, 44, and her nine-year-old son Mohd Harilad Zainal Abidin boarded the bus after Tiew explained the purpose of the bus to her.

“I’ve seen and heard about the bus but I’ve always thought that it was meant for the MBPJ staff, so I have not taken the community bus,” Salina said.

Cleaner Sumathy Poovan, 46, and her son flagged the community bus after waiting in vain for a RapidKL bus. This is her second experience taking the community bus.

“I hope that the bus can come earlier such as at 6.30am and extend its service till 6,30pm so that my son can travel to school and back,” she said, adding that it would save her the monthly RM50 school bus fare.

To provide feedback about the free community bus and the bus routes, the public can email to aduan@mbpj.gov.my or tiewwaykeng@gmail.com or call 03-7954 2020/ 016-338 1503.

RapidKL dumps RM12m Klang Sentral (http://www.mmail.com.my/content/rapidkl-dumps-rm12m-klang-sentral)

Company can't run profitably with just 20-passenger average, it says
Nevash Nair
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 07:28:00

EMPTY: Terminal B of Klang Sentral was deserted when visited by 'Malay Mail' yesterday
AN average of 20 passengers during peak hours.
This is the dismal figure that RapidKL says it has been experiencing after four months of operating at Klang Sentral.

Unable to cope, the company has decided to abandon its operations at the RM12 million terminal in Meru, hightailing back to the Bandar Klang terminal in the town centre.

The decision was announced on Monday by Rapid KL. In a statement announcing the new bus routes, it said the decision to shift operations back to the Bandar Klang terminal was made “upon request by commuters”.

This has not gone well with the Klang Municipal Council, which promised to take action against the company if it decides to make the Bandar Klang terminal its hub (see accompanying story).

However, Rapid KL says it has little choice but to move its operations to survive.

Klang Rapid KL operations manager Atan Jaafar said RapidKL has been incurring losses since its began operating at Klang Sentral.

“We are bleeding here.

We barely have passengers.

During peak hours, we only have an average of 20 passengers.

How are we going to make ends meet?” asked Atan.

He said the management was left with little choice but to “abandon ship”.

“To put it simply, we are moving back to Klang town because nobody is coming here.

” A visit to Klang Sentral’s Terminal B yesterday showed Atan’s claims had some truth. In the hour-long visit, not a single passenger boarded a RapidKL bus.

Two KL-bound RapidKL buses were parked at the terminal, with the drivers waiting for passengers.

The terminal also appeared deserted.

No shops were open, in or around the terminal.

But it was different at the Bandar Klang terminal, which still had buses picking up and dropping off passengers.

The bus drivers at Klang Sentral, when interviewed, said this wasn’t unusual.

“We pass the time by just chatting, taking short naps while waiting for passengers.

What else can we do?” said one driver.

However, outstationbound express buses appeared to be doing well.

Atan said it was unfair that other bus companies were still operating in Klang town but RapidKL had to depend on passengers from Klang Sentral.

“There are still buses operating in Klang town.

This is unfair to us.

“We have complied with the Klang council order and shifted here, but why are other buses still operating from the town centre?” Atan said RapidKL made between RM400 and RM500 a day when it was based in Klang town.

“Now, it’s difficult to make even RM150 a day.

Operating at Klang Sental is expensive, but it has good facilities.

“But we cannot operate from here if there are no passengers.

“The authorities must come to a solution to this problem soon,” he said.

The Klang Sentral bus terminal opened its doors at the end of last year, despite protests from many parties.

It is six km from the town centre.

Many bus operators initially expressed their displeasure over the relocation, saying it added cost to their operations and was “a waste of time”.

Bus operators at Klang Sentral are charged RM900 in monthly rental fee, compared with just RM150 at the former Klang bus terminal.

Also, buses are now charged RM10 per entry to Klang Sentral compared with just RM2 at the old station.

Owners of shops and stalls at Klang Sentral have also complained about the high rental.

by ilet92
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36120595@N06/3501257146/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3501257146_47e2e9c9cc_b.jpg

Tambang baru bas, teksi diumum bulan depan


KUALA LUMPUR: Kadar tambang baru bas dan teksi dijangka diumumkan bulan depan selepas semakan dibawa ke perhatian Kabinet, akhir bulan ini.

Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP), Datuk Markiman Kobiran, berkata kadar tambang baru itu membabitkan bas henti-henti, bas ekspres, bas pengantara dan bas sekolah selain teksi serta kereta sewa.

"Kita menunggu maklum balas Kementerian Pengangkutan dan Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna sebelum semakan dibawa ke Kabinet akhir bulan ini," katanya kepada Bernama semalam.



Katanya, kajian semakan tambang telah dibawa kepada perhatian Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz pada 7 Mei lalu, tetapi enggan menyatakan peratus kenaikan.

Sebelum ini, kerajaan dilaporkan bersetuju pada dasarnya memberi kenaikan 30 peratus bagi meringankan beban pengusaha pengangkutan awam termasuk surcaj 30 peratus tambang bas ekspres yang dikekalkan sehingga hari ini.

Dilema pemandu bas

Oleh Ardyhansah Amat
kota@utusan.com.my



JALAN Hang Kasturi berhampiran Pasar Seni adalah lokasi tumpuan penumpang untuk mendapatkan pengangkutan awam tetapi ramai pemandu bas mengeluh kerana sering disaman kerana mereka di larang menurun dan mengambil penumpang di kawasan itu.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 21 Mei - Mereka tidak mempunyai gaji tetap. Pendapatan mereka hanya bergantung kepada komisen sebanyak RM10 bagi setiap RM100 kutipan tambang yang diperoleh.

Secara purata, mereka akan memperoleh pendapatan antara RM50 hingga RM60 sehari ataupun sekitar RM1,500 hingga RM1,800 sebulan.

Dengan rezeki bergantung sepenuhnya kepada jumlah penumpang, mereka tiada pilihan selain daripada mencari seramai mungkin penumpang untuk meningkatkan kadar komisen.

Justeru, mereka sanggup mengambil risiko melanggar undang-undang dengan mengambil penumpang di mana sahaja.

Namun, hari tidak selalunya cerah bagi mereka. Risiko disaman oleh pihak berkuasa kerana melanggar undang-undang pasti ada.

Itulah realiti yang terpaksa dihadapi oleh kebanyakan pemandu pengangkutan awam dalam mencari sesuap nasi.

Seorang pemandu bas, Abdul Wahab Harun, 46, berkata, sehingga kini, dia telah dikenakan kompaun sebanyak tiga kali dengan kadar RM300 setiap satu.

"Saya terpaksa berhenti di tepi jalan semata-mata untuk menurunkan serta mengambil penumpang terutama sekitar Pasar Seni menyebabkan saya disaman.

"Memang saya tidak nafikan bahawa ia adalah salah saya tetapi apa yang saya kesalkan ialah sikap pengusaha atau syarikat pemilik bas yang lepas tangan dalam hal ini.

"Hasil usaha kami mencari penumpang yang ramai menambah pendapatan kepada mereka. Apa salahnya jika mereka meringankan beban kami dalam melunaskan separuh daripada saman yang dikenakan ke atas kami," katanya ketika ditemui Utusan Malaysia baru-baru ini.

Menurut Abdul Wahab, dia kini menanggung enam orang anak dengan tiga daripadanya sedang bersekolah dan hanya bergantung sepenuhnya kepada komisen yang diperoleh.

"Dengan pendapatan yang tidak menentu itu, sudah tentu saya tidak mampu melunaskan kompaun yang dikenakan kerana saya ada komitmen lain yang lebih penting," katanya.

Kenyataan ini disokong Mohd. Isham Abdul, 21, yang meminta pihak pengusaha bas supaya bertimbang rasa dan bersimpati dengan nasib pemandu-pemandu bas.

"Memang kami mengetahui bahawa bas tidak boleh berhenti terlalu lama di tepi jalan iaitu kira-kira lima minit sahaja tetapi dalam sesingkat waktu itu, kami tidak dapat ramai penumpang.

"Jika pemandu mendapat penumpang yang sedikit, ini akan merugikan syarikat kerana pendapatan tidak setimpal dengan kos operasi terutama minyak," katanya.

Seorang konduktor bas yang hanya mahu dikenali sebagai Ana, 44, berkata, ketiadaan hentian bas di Jalan Hang Kasturi dan sekitarnya menyebabkan mereka terpaksa menghentikan bas di tepi jalan walaupun tahu tindakan tersebut salah.

"Mungkin pihak berkuasa boleh menimbangkan untuk membuat satu hentian bas di kawasan ini bagi memudahkan kami menurunkan serta mengambil penumpang kerana ia adalah kawasan pilihan orang ramai untuk turun dan naik bas," ujarnya.

Mengulas luahan rasa pemandu bas tersebut, Ketua Unit Operasi Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) Wilayah Persekutuan, Mohd. Zamri Zainal Abidin berkata, pihaknya memahami masalah yang dihadapi oleh pemandu-pemandu tersebut.

"Kami hanya menjalankan tugas supaya semua pihak selesa dan tumpuan diberikan kepada masalah seperti menghalang lalu lintas kerana ia adalah kesalahan pemandu.

"Kajian terperinci perlu dilakukan kerana kami sedar masalah ini tidak akan terhenti atau berkurangan jika kita hanya mengenakan tindakan kepada pemandu dan tidak pada pengusaha bas," katanya.

Timbalan Pengarah Jabatan Keselamatan dan Penguatkuasaan DBKL, Mohd. Sauffi Muhamad berkata, usul untuk menyediakan satu tempat khas untuk bas menunggu penumpang di kawasan berkenaan sedang dalam perbincangan.

"Datuk Bandar sendiri pernah mengusulkan untuk membuat satu boarding area bagi memudahkan pemandu-pemandu bas menurun dan mengambil penumpang.

"Tetapi perancangan yang teliti perlu dilakukan bagi memastikan kawasan tersebut tidak mendatangkan masalah kesesakan lalu lintas," katanya.

Higher taxi and bus rates to go before Cabinet


KUALA KANGSAR: New bus and taxi fares will be presented to the Cabinet for approval next week, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said the new fares would cover taxis and express, feeder, school and standard bus services.

“I have studied and approved the proposal by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board. I have to get feedback from all ministries before presenting it to the Cabinet,” he told reporters in Kati near here yesterday.

Nazri, however, declined to reveal the quantum of increase as it involved many sectors but said it would not burden the people.

“We will always consider the interest of operators and consumers before deciding. How can we expect good service if the operators can’t make money?” he asked.

The Government was said to have agreed to a 30% increase although the operators had asked for a 60% to 100% rise.

He said the Cabinet could only discuss the new fares next week (early June) as it had other pressing matters on the agenda including that on the Port Klang Free Zone. — Bernama

Kenaikan tambang ke Kabinet minggu depan
KUALA KANGSAR 25 Mei - Kertas cadangan kenaikan tambang pengangkutan awam akan dikemukakan ke Kabinet minggu depan, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.

"Kertas cadangan itu telah diluluskan Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) dan saya sendiri melihat serta menandatanganinya minggu lalu sebelum diserahkan kepada kementerian lain," katanya di sini semalam.

Beliau ditemui selepas merasmikan Kempen Bumi Hijau anjuran Biro Pertanian UMNO Padang Rengas di Sekolah Menengah Temenggong Kati.

Menurut Mohamed Nazri, kenaikan tambang itu akan melibatkan semua pengangkutan awam termasuk bas dan teksi.

"Kita mahu berlaku adil dan ingin melihat perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam lebih bertanggungjawab dan dapat berkhidmat dengan sebaik mungkin kepada pelanggan.

"Kenaikan ini bergantung kepada sektor dan jenis perkhidmatan yang diberi bukannya secara purata berdasarkan suasana setempat. Misalnya Kuala Lumpur tidak sama dengan di Pulau Pinang," katanya.

Beliau menyatakan, keputusan tentang tambang tersebut bergantung kepada Kabinet setelah mendapat pandangan daripada semua pihak.

"Kenaikan ini juga akan mengambil kira soal menjaga kepentingan semua pihak termasuk operator, pemandu dan pengguna," katanya.

Tambang pengangkutan wajar naik

KUALA LUMPUR 25 Mei - Langkah kerajaan mengkaji semula kadar tambang pengangkutan awam di negara ini disifatkan oleh pengusaha terlibat sebagai tindakan yang wajar kerana kadar sedia ada tidak dapat menampung kos operasi mereka.

Presiden Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi dan Kereta Sewa Wilayah Persekutuan dan Selangor (Perkepli), Datuk Aslah Abdullah berkata, kadar kenaikan itu munasabah kerana ia mampu mengurangkan beban pengusaha perkhidmatan.

"Sebelum ini pemandu teksi mengenakan tambang sebanyak RM2 untuk dua kilometer pertama tetapi kadar baru mungkin sebanyak RM3.

"Walaupun kenaikan yang diberi masih belum mencapai 30 peratus seperti diminta oleh persatuan, ia sedikit sebanyak mampu mengurangkan beban kami," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz mengenai kertas cadangan kenaikan tambang pengangkutan awam yang dijangka diumumkan oleh LPKP seperti dilaporkan akhbar hari ini.

Mohamed Nazri berkata, kadar baru itu hanya akan dikuatkuasakan selepas mendapat kelulusan Kebinet.

Sementara itu, Presiden Persatuan Pengusaha Bas seluruh Malaysia (PMBOA), Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali berkata, kenaikan tersebut sememangnya amat dinanti-nantikan.

"Meskipun kenaikan ini akan memberi sedikit bebanan kepada penguna, mereka perlu bersikap positif.

"Situasi ini tidak akan berlaku sekiranya kerajaan dapat mengurangkan harga diesel sekurang-kurangnya RM1 seliter atau memberikan subsidi kepada pengusaha bas," ujarnya.

Beliau bagaimanapun enggan mengulas lanjut kerana perkara itu masih kabur dan belum ada pengesahan daripada kerajaan.

Taxi and bus fares up soon
By TEH ENG HOCK

KUALA LUMPUR: Taxi and bus passengers will be forking out between 30% and 50% more for their trips when fares are raised soon – and it could be as early as next month.

With the increase, a 10km taxi ride will cost more than RM10 instead of the current RM8, and even more should they be caught in a traffic jam.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz told reporters after hosting a dialogue with taxi operators and associations in the Klang Valley that a memorandum on the fare increase had been circulated to all ministries for their feedback.

The increase would encompass fares for taxis and stage, express and schoolbuses, he said.

Nazri said the starting fare for taxis would increase from RM2 to RM3 for the first kilometre and from 10 sen to 13 sen for every subsequent 150m.

He said that when a taxi was stationary, such as during a traffic jam, the proposed rate was 13 sen for every 27 seconds, more than a 100% increase from the 10 sen for every 45 seconds.

Although Nazri declined to reveal the proposed fare increase for buses, sources indicated that the rise would be around 30%.

It is also understood that despite Nazri saying that he would table the proposal to the Cabinet only after receiving feedback from the ministries, the matter could be decided this month.

At the dialogue, taxi operators and associations also told Nazri that they had problems buying insurance for their vehicles as the firms did not want to sell them policies.

“I have spoken to the minister in charge of the Economic Planning Unit Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and proposed that instead of a full liability plan, the Insurance Act should be amended to allow for limited liability.

“Currently, insurance companies collect RM400mil a year in premiums, but the claims come up to about RM2bil. Maybe we can limit them to RM5,000 or RM10,000,” he said.

Students may get travel discounts


SERI KEMBANGAN: The Government will study the viability of a transport discount card for students.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said several agencies would be asked to look into this as it had a big implication.

“The students asked the Government to consider a discount card as they find transportation costs a burden,” he told reporters after a two-hour closed door meeting with the National Students Consultative Council.

Muhyiddin, who is Education Minister, said the students had pointed out that other countries offered such discounts.

He also said the National Defence University of Malaysia had been given the mandate to head research into several non-traditional security issues.

“This matter, which was brought up by the consultative council, shows our students are aware of the country’s overall security,” he said.

The university, he said , would work with other agencies on various aspects, including food security and social safety.

On another matter, Muhyiddin said the Government had agreed to the establishment of a National Women Students Council that would be coordinated by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

He said the consultative council had presented five working papers on various issues including the state of schools in Sabah and the transformation of the Malaysian economy.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin who was also present, said the council which was established in 1999, was an opportunity for the Government to hold dialogues with students.

A total of 180 students from 20 public and 26 private higher education institutions attended the meeting.

Tambang bas biasa, ekspres naik 10 sen
Oleh Ziauddin Sharuddin
zia@bharian.com.my




Ganti surcaj 30 peratus pada musim perayaan

SEREMBAN: Surcaj 30 peratus bagi bas henti-henti dan ekspres yang dilaksanakan pada musim perayaan tahun lalu akan ditukarkan kepada kenaikan tambang, kata Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, kadar kenaikan tambang bas henti-henti dan ekspres yang akan diumumkan tidak lama lagi hanya menyaksikan kenaikan 10 sen atau tiada sebarang perbezaan.



Sebagai contoh, katanya, kadar tambang bas dari Seremban dan Kuala Lumpur sebelum musim perayaan tahun lalu adalah RM4.70 dan selepas dikenakan surcaj RM1.30, kadar tambang yang dikenakan terhadap penumpang ialah RM6.

"Oleh itu, jika kenaikan tambang baru diumumkan, pengguna tetap membayar kadar tambang sebanyak RM6," katanya selepas menyampaikan 83 Surat Tawaran Kelulusan (STK) lesen teksi dan kereta sewa individu, di sini, semalam.

Kali terakhir kenaikan tambang bas dibuat pada 2005 menyebabkan Persatuan Pengusaha-Pengusaha Bas SeMalaysia meminta kerajaan menaikkan kadar tambang pengangkutan itu.

Walaupun harga minyak diturunkan, pengusaha syarikat bas memberi alasan kenaikan perlu berikutan peningkatan kos operasi, terutama kos penyelenggaraan, alat ganti dan upah pemandu.

Kerajaan sebelum ini dilaporkan bersetuju memberi kenaikan tambang 30 peratus bagi meringankan beban pengusaha pengangkutan awam itu termasuk surcaj 30 peratus tambang bas ekspres yang dikekalkan hingga hari ini.

Nazri berkata, Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) kini pada peringkat akhir untuk mendapatkan maklum balas kementerian berkaitan kenaikan kadar tambang.

"Saya juga berpendapat sudah tiba masanya kadar tambang diubah dan berharap semua pihak bersabar sebelum kata putus dibuat," katanya.

Sementara itu, katanya, kerajaan tidak teragak-agak membatalkan permit pemilik teksi yang mahu mengaut keuntungan mudah dengan membenarkan warga asing memandu teksi mereka.

Beliau berkata, LPKP mengesan beberapa pemilik teksi melakukan perbuatan itu dan kini dalam proses mengambil tindakan terhadap mereka.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, tindakan membatalkan lesen hanya diambil jika mereka melakukan kesalahan buat kali ketiga, manakala kesalahan pertama dan kedua, masing-masing dikenakan kompaun RM300.

"Kerajaan memandang serius perbuatan itu kerana permit teksi hanya untuk rakyat Malaysia supaya mereka dapat mencari rezeki dan bukan untuk warga Indonesia, Nepal dan Pakistan," katanya.

Bas percuma kurang promosi
Oleh Nor Azma Laila
norazma@bharian.com.my
Penduduk dakwa tidak tahu perkhidmatan ditawar MBPJ

PETALING JAYA: Penyediaan kemudahan pengangkutan awam percuma biasanya ditunggu dan pastinya mendapat sambutan daripada masyarakat apatah lagi ketika negara mengalami masalah kegawatan ekonomi menyebabkan semua orang ingin berjimat cermat.

Maka tidak hairan, jika perkhidmatan percuma yang ditawarkan sentiasa mendapat perhatian dan dimanfaatkan sebaiknya oleh masyarakat.



Namun, lain pula halnya dengan perkhidmatan bas komuniti Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) yang disediakan secara percuma untuk memudahkan penduduk sekitar Petaling Jaya bergerak ke destinasi yang ingin dituju di bandar raya itu.

Perkhidmatan bas yang mula beroperasi pada Ogos tahun lalu itu tidak mendapat sambutan dan dimanfaatkan sepenuhnya oleh penduduk sekitar Petaling Jaya yang kebiasaannya menggunakan perkhidmatan awam.

Tinjauan Sentral mendapati, bas berkenaan yang beroperasi bermula jam 9 pagi hingga 5 petang dari Isnin hingga Jumaat itu hanya digunakan oleh sebilangan penduduk saja, itu pun buat kali pertama kerana sebelum ini tidak pernah tahu mengenai kemudahan yang disediakan MBPJ itu.

Kebanyakan mereka yang ditemui berkata, mereka tidak tahu mengenai perkhidmatan bas yang disediakan itu kerana tidak banyak promosi atau publisiti dibuat oleh MBPJ untuk memberitahu masyarakat setempat mengenai kemudahan itu.

Peniaga, Ramlah Idris, 57, berkata beliau kali pertama menaiki bas berkenaan dan baru mendapat tahu mengenai kemudahan itu daripada cerita jiran dan cakap-cakap orang ramai ketika mereka berkunjung ke kedai beliau.

“Saya pernah nampak bas ini lalu di depan kedai saya tetapi tidak pula tahu ia menawarkan perkhidmatan secara percuma untuk memudahkan penduduk setempat bergerak ke destinasi yang diingini sekitar bandaraya ini.

“Orang ramai tidak tahu mengenai kemudahan ini, sebab itulah tidak mendapat sambutan yang menggalakkan. Kalau mereka tahu, saya rasa ramai yang ingin menggunakan perkhidmatan bas ini kerana ia percuma, apatah lagi dalam situasi sekarang yang mana semua orang ingin berjimat,” katanya.

Difahamkan, dua bas disediakan untuk memberikan kemudahan kepada penduduk sekitar dan bas berkenaan melalui beberapa kawasan terpilih di Petaling Jaya Selatan (PJS) dan Petaling Jaya Utara (PJU).

Di PJS, antara kawasan yang menjadi laluan bas itu ialah Jalan Sultan, Jalan Selangor, Flat Petaling Utama, Taman Medan, Desa Mentari, Flat Kampung Lindungan, Flat Taman Desa Ria, Jalan Othman dan Amcorp Mall.

Bagi menyediakan bas komuniti berkenaan, MBPJ membelanjakan kira-kira RM250,000 dengan RM200,000 untuk bas baru, manakala RM50,000 lagi bagi membaik pulih bas lama yang sedia ada.

Sementara itu, pekerja swasta, Roslan Hussein, 55, yang ditemui ketika menaiki bas berkenaan berkata, itu adalah kali pertama beliau menaiki bas komuniti yang disediakan MBPJ kerana tidak tahu mengenai perkhidmatan itu.

“Saya naik bas ini pun kerana diajak oleh rakan dan kebetulan ketika menunggu perkhidmatan awam lain, bas komuniti ini pula lalu, jadi saya naik.

“Saya harap pihak MBPJ membuat lebih banyak promosi atau publisiti mengenai bas ini kerana tidak ramai yang tahu mengenai perkhidmatan yang disediakan ini.

“Oleh itu, ramai yang tidak memanfaatkan bas ini dengan sebaik mungkin sedangkan ia boleh membantu penduduk bergerak ke destinasi yang ingin dituju dengan percuma,” katanya.

Suri rumah, Robyiah Abdullah, 45, berkata pandangan bahawa bas berkenaan hanya dikhaskan untuk membawa kakitangan MBPJ saja menyebabkan orang ramai tidak berani menggunakan perkhidmatan yang disediakan itu.

“Apatah lagi maklumat atau publisiti mengenai bas ini juga tidak digembar gembur di media massa atau oleh MBPJ sendiri menyebabkan tidak ramai yang tahu mengenai perkhidmatan bas komuniti percuma ini.

“Padahal ia boleh membantu penduduk setempat terutama yang tidak mempunyai kenderaan sendiri untuk ke destinasi yang tidak dilalui pengangkutan awam lain, malah secara percuma lagi,” katanya.

Saturday June 27, 2009
Bus companies may claim mileage subsidy (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/6/27/southneast/4172458&sec=southneast)
By MARTIN CARVALHO

MALACCA: The state government is mulling over several proposals to improve the public transportation system which will include providing mileage claims for bus companies here beginning next year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the move would ensure the estimated 250 buses cover all city and rural routes in the state irrespective of whether there are passengers to ferry or not.

“Whether there are passengers or not, the buses under the companies will still ply the scheduled routes and later claim mileage subsidy from the state,” he said during the Malacca Bus Operators Associations 50th anniversary celebrations here on Sunday night.

He said the system was currently being used in Melbourne, Australia where private bus companies claimed mileage subsidy from the authorities.

Based on initial projections, he said that the state would have to bear between RM3mil and RM4mil annually for the mileage allowance system to be successful.

He said a test run on the subsidy system would begin in two weeks to determine its feasibility for implementation next year.

He said the other proposal being weighed involved the state renting the 250 buses from the companies here and managing the public transportation service.

“Under this system, we will rent the buses for about RM10,000 for each vehicle per month.

“The state will then manage the bus service and pay for its fuel with the companies merely providing manpower and maintenance for the vehicles,” he added.

However, he said the proposal would incur a cost of some RM10.5mil annually and this may be a financial burden for the state.TRANSIT comments here (http://transitmy.org/2009/06/27/malacca-government-to-offer-mileage-subsidy/).

Basic observation - nice idea but the devil is in the details. The proposal that Ali Rustam is talking about would have the government pay for the capital cost of a fleet of old, broken down buses (by paying a rental fee of RM10,000 per bus). Then they will also pay for some of the operations costs (fuel).

So what does the public get out of this? The same buses with more money going into the hands of private operators.

That's not the way the system ought to work.

What should happen is this:

TRANSIT proposes that the CM look at our 4-Stakeholders model, in which a Local Public Transport Authority plans routes and offers these routes to competing bus operators on a tendered, time-limited contract. The system works this way:

* The Local Authority (one stakeholder) works with the government to pay for the capital costs (buses, hubs, depots, bus lanes)
* The operators (the second stakeholder group) provide the operations (paying for fuel, labour) and they are paid by the Local Authority.
* The residents and passengers (the 3rd stakeholder group) monitor the bus service and give feedback to the operators and the Local Authority
* The wakil rakyat (the last stakeholder group) will be responsible for monitoring the service provided (in the legislative assembly and subcommittee) by making decisions about the contract.

Cheers, m

Khidmat dapat sambutan hangat - Konduktor
KOTA KINABALU 8 Julai - Sejak dilancarkan awal Jun lalu, perkhidmatan bas dalam bandar atau lebih dikenali Citybus mendapat sambutan hangat daripada orang ramai.

Salah seorang konduktor Citybus, Sukardi Samsudin, 19, memberitahu, adakalanya beliau tidak menang tangan melayan penumpang yang sentiasa menaiki bas itu.

''Tidak sampai lima minit bas sudah penuh. Ada ketikanya hendak makan pun terpaksa cepat-cepat sebab bas di hadapan sudah penuh dan perlu bergerak," katanya.

Katanya, sehingga kini mereka masih mampu mengawal keadaan demi memastikan keselesaan penumpang.

Utusan Malaysia difahamkan, pada masa ini terdapat sebanyak 16 buah bas Citybus yang beroperasi di dua sektor perjalanan iaitu sektor satu dan sektor dua.

Bagi sektor satu, operasi bas itu adalah sejauh 5.9 kilometer bermula di Terminal Bas Wawasan Plaza (TBWP), melalui Wisma San Hin, Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu, Hotel Hyatt, Wisma Merdeka, Jesselton Point, Segama, Kompleks Asia City, Balai Polis Karamunsing dan Bank Simpanan Nasional, sebelum kembali ke TBWP.

Begit juga dengan sektor dua yang bermula di terminal utama ke Balai Polis Karamunsing, Bangunan Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Kompleks Karamunsing, Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (SRJK) Chung Hwa, Wisma Budaya, Perpustakaan Negeri, Wisma Dang Bandang, Hotel Shangrila, Kompleks Karamunsing dan Bangunan Bank Simpanan Nasional.

Perkhidmatan Citybus itu juga menyediakan sebuah bas khas bagi orang ramai yang ingin ke Kompleks Persekutuan dan 1Borneo dengan kadar tambang pergi-balik adalah RM1.

Operasi bas berwarna kuning-hijau itu bermula seawal pukul enam pagi hingga 10 malam.

Seorang lagi konduktor Citybus, Omar Conggong, 29, berkata, bertugas di situ memerlukan banyak kesabaran kerana terpaksa berhadapan dengan pelbagai kerenah pelanggan.

''Kami tidak nafikan terdapat segelintir penumpang yang cerewet dan merungut kerana tidak mendapat tempat duduk meskipun membayar tambang. Tapi, tidak kisahlah, kerana semua itu kami tidak boleh elak," ujarnya.

Khidmat dapat sambutan hangat - Konduktor
KOTA KINABALU 8 Julai - Sejak dilancarkan awal Jun lalu, perkhidmatan bas dalam bandar atau lebih dikenali Citybus mendapat sambutan hangat daripada orang ramai.

Salah seorang konduktor Citybus, Sukardi Samsudin, 19, memberitahu, adakalanya beliau tidak menang tangan melayan penumpang yang sentiasa menaiki bas itu.

''Tidak sampai lima minit bas sudah penuh. Ada ketikanya hendak makan pun terpaksa cepat-cepat sebab bas di hadapan sudah penuh dan perlu bergerak," katanya.

Katanya, sehingga kini mereka masih mampu mengawal keadaan demi memastikan keselesaan penumpang.

Utusan Malaysia difahamkan, pada masa ini terdapat sebanyak 16 buah bas Citybus yang beroperasi di dua sektor perjalanan iaitu sektor satu dan sektor dua.

Bagi sektor satu, operasi bas itu adalah sejauh 5.9 kilometer bermula di Terminal Bas Wawasan Plaza (TBWP), melalui Wisma San Hin, Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu, Hotel Hyatt, Wisma Merdeka, Jesselton Point, Segama, Kompleks Asia City, Balai Polis Karamunsing dan Bank Simpanan Nasional, sebelum kembali ke TBWP.

Begit juga dengan sektor dua yang bermula di terminal utama ke Balai Polis Karamunsing, Bangunan Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Kompleks Karamunsing, Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (SRJK) Chung Hwa, Wisma Budaya, Perpustakaan Negeri, Wisma Dang Bandang, Hotel Shangrila, Kompleks Karamunsing dan Bangunan Bank Simpanan Nasional.

Perkhidmatan Citybus itu juga menyediakan sebuah bas khas bagi orang ramai yang ingin ke Kompleks Persekutuan dan 1Borneo dengan kadar tambang pergi-balik adalah RM1.

Operasi bas berwarna kuning-hijau itu bermula seawal pukul enam pagi hingga 10 malam.

Seorang lagi konduktor Citybus, Omar Conggong, 29, berkata, bertugas di situ memerlukan banyak kesabaran kerana terpaksa berhadapan dengan pelbagai kerenah pelanggan.

''Kami tidak nafikan terdapat segelintir penumpang yang cerewet dan merungut kerana tidak mendapat tempat duduk meskipun membayar tambang. Tapi, tidak kisahlah, kerana semua itu kami tidak boleh elak," ujarnya.

Citybus pilihan warga kota

Oleh Sitti Nor Azizah Talata
utusansabah@utusan.com.my


http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0709/Utusan_Malaysia/Sabah_&_Sarawak/wb_01.1.jpg
PENUMPANG ke pusat bandar menggunakan perkhidmatan Citybus dari terminal bas Wawasan Plaza, Kota Kinabalu, semalam. - UTUSAN/Ghazali Basri

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KOTA KINABALU 8 Julai - Warga ibu kota ini kini boleh ke mana-mana sekitar bandar raya dengan kadar tambang serendah 50 sen menerusi perkhidmatan bas dalam bandar atau lebih dikenali Citybus.

Selain menawarkan tambang murah, bas ini turut menyediakan perkhidmatan selesa seperti penghawa dingin dan audio visual kepada penumpang.

Bukan itu sahaja, penumpang tidak lagi perlu menunggu lama kerana perkhidmatan yang bermula 6 pagi hingga 10 malam itu mempunyai kekerapan 15 minit sebuah bas.

Ia sekali gus memudahkan pergerakan warga kota dan memberikan kebaikan terutama mereka yang tidak memiliki kenderaan persendirian dan bertugas di sekitar bandar raya.

Tinjauan Utusan Malaysia di Terminal Bas Wawasan Plaza (TBWP) mendapati, orang ramai terutama dari kawasan Penampang, Menggatal, Inanam dan Likas berasak-asak menaiki Citybus.

Kebanyakan mereka bekerja di Wisma Merdeka, Asia City, Kompleks Karamunsing dan tidak kurang juga ramai penumpang menaiki Citybus untuk ke Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu.

Perjalanan mengelilingi bandar raya sejauh 5.4 kilometer itu mengambil masa kira-kira 10 hingga 15 minit sahaja.

Seorang penumpang, Siti Jamil, 52, memberitahu, sebelum Citybus diperkenalkan, dia terpaksa berjalan dari TBWP ke Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu.

''Sekarang lebih mudah dengan adanya bas dalam bandar, meskipun terpaksa menaiki bas dua kali tetapi penumpang dari pasar besar tidak lagi menunggu bas berjam-jam lamanya sebelum ini.

''Ia memudahkan perjalanan warga tua seperti saya. Lagipun bas ini amat selesa kerana mempunyai penghawa dingin," katanya yang tinggal di kawasan Luyang, dekat sini.

Suri rumah dari Likas, Norshareda Mudin, 28, berpendapat perkhidmatan bas dalam bandar telah berjaya mengurangkan kesesakan di bandar raya Kota Kinabalu.

Katanya, kemasukan bas besar dan mini ke dalam bandar sebelum adanya Citybus, mengakibatkan kesesakan teruk terutama pada waktu tengah hari dan petang iaitu selepas waktu pejabat.

''Kalau dahulu, jalan raya bandar raya Kota Kinabalu sesak bukan sahaja disebabkan jumlah kenderaan yang semakin bertambah tetapi juga bas awam yang terlalu banyak.

''Tetapi kini tidak lagi. Kesesakan semakin berkurangan dan pemandangan bandar raya Kota Kinabalu juga lebih baik dan bersih. Saya lihat bukan sahaja orang tempatan yang menaiki Citybus, tetapi juga pelancong asing," katanya.

Norshareda berkata, sebagai pengguna dia berharap pengusaha Citybus mengekalkan kadar tambang kerana ia amat berpatutan terutama bagi yang berpendapatan rendah.

Sementara itu, ada juga di kalangan penumpang yang tidak berpuas hati dengan pengenalan perkhidmatan Citybus yang berkuat kuasa 1 Jun lalu.

Jarmores Jenes, 26, berkata, ini kerana dia terpaksa menambah peruntukan perbelanjaan tambang bas sehala dari Menggatal ke tempat kerjanya kepada RM2 berbanding RM1 sebelum ini.

''Memang berat kerana terpaksa menambah kos tambang tetapi saya tiada pilihan lain," katanya.

Bagaimanapun, ibarat kata pepatah, alah bisa tegal biasa, warga kota perlu menyesuaikan diri dengan pembaharuan yang bertujuan memberi manfaat kepada semua pihak itu.

Secara keseluruhannya, perkhidmatan Citybus ini bukan sahaja dapat menjimatkan masa menunggu tetapi juga jauh lebih selepas dan bersih berbanding bas awam yang lain.

nothing to do w/ malaysia, but sometimes we can learn a bit from how other people do things...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/world/americas/10degrees.html?_r=1&ref=global-home

Buses May Aid Climate Battle in Poor Cities

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Like most thoroughfares in booming cities of the developing world, Bogotá’s Seventh Avenue resembles a noisy, exhaust-coated parking lot — a gluey tangle of cars and the rickety, smoke-puffing private minibuses that have long provided transportation for the masses.

But a few blocks away, sleek red vehicles full of commuters speed down the four center lanes of Avenida de las Américas. The long, segmented, low-emission buses are part of a novel public transportation system called bus rapid transit, or B.R.T. It is more like an above-ground subway than a collection of bus routes, with seven intersecting lines, enclosed stations that are entered through turnstiles with the swipe of a fare card and coaches that feel like trams inside.

Versions of these systems are being planned or built in dozens of developing cities around the world — Mexico City, Cape Town, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Ahmedabad, India, to name a few — providing public transportation that improves traffic flow and reduces smog at a fraction of the cost of building a subway.

But the rapid transit systems have another benefit: they may hold a key to combating climate change. Emissions from cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles in the booming cities of Asia, Africa and Latin America account for a rapidly growing component of heat-trapping gases linked to global warming. While emissions from industry are decreasing, those related to transportation are expected to rise more than 50 percent by 2030 in industrialized and poorer nations. And 80 percent of that growth will be in the developing world, according to data presented in May at an international conference in Bellagio, Italy, sponsored by the Asian Development Bank and the Clean Air Institute.

To be effective, a new international climate treaty that will be negotiated in Copenhagen in December must include “a policy response to the CO2 emissions from transport in the developing world,” the Bellagio conference statement concluded.

Bus rapid transit systems like Bogotá’s, called TransMilenio, might hold an answer. Now used for an average of 1.6 million trips each day, TransMilenio has allowed the city to remove 7,000 small private buses from its roads, reducing the use of bus fuel — and associated emissions — by more than 59 percent since it opened its first line in 2001, according to city officials.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/07/09/world/28334711.JPG

In recognition of this feat, TransMilenio last year became the only large transportation project approved by the United Nations to generate and sell carbon credits. Developed countries that exceed their emissions limits under the Kyoto Protocol, or that simply want to burnish a “green” image, can buy credits from TransMilenio to balance their emissions budgets, bringing Bogotá an estimated $100 million to $300 million so far, analysts say.

Indeed, the city has provided a model of how international programs to combat climate change can help expanding cities — the number of cars in China alone could increase sevenfold by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency — pay for transit systems that would otherwise be unaffordable.

“Bogotá was huge and messy and poor, so people said, ‘If Bogotá can do it, why can’t we?’ ” said Enrique Peñalosa, an economist and a former mayor of the city who took TransMilenio from a concept to its initial opening in 2001 and is now advising other cities. In 2008, Mexico City opened a second successful bus rapid transit line that has already reduced carbon dioxide emissions there, according to Lee Schipper, a transportation expert at Stanford University, and the city has applied to sell carbon credits as well.

But bus rapid transit systems are not the answer for every city. In the United States, where cost is less constraining, some cities, like Los Angeles, have built B.R.T.’s, but they tend to lack many of the components of comprehensive systems like TransMilenio, like fully enclosed stations, and they serve as an addition to existing rail networks.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/07/09/world/09cnd_degrees_600.jpg

In some sprawling cities in India, where a tradition of scooter use may make bus rapid transit more difficult to create, researchers are working to develop a new model of tuk-tuk, or motorized cab, that is cheap and will run on alternative fuels or with a highly efficient engine. “There are three million auto rickshaws in India alone, and the smoke is astonishing, so this could have a huge impact,” said Stef van Dongen, director of Enviu, an environmental network group in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, that is sponsoring the research.

Bus rapid transit systems have not always worked well in cities that have tried them, either. In New Delhi, for example, the experiment foundered in part because it proved difficult to protect bus lanes from traffic. And a system that does not succeed in drawing passengers out of their cars just adds buses to existing vehicles on the roads, making traffic and emissions worse.

But with its wide streets, dense population and a tradition of bus travel, Bogotá had the ingredients for success. To create TransMilenio, the city commandeered two to four traffic lanes in the middle of major boulevards, isolating them with low walls to create the system’s so-called tracks. On the center islands that divide many of Bogotá’s two-way streets, the city built dozens of distinctive metal-and-glass stations. Just as in a subway, the multiple doors on the buses slide open level with the platform, providing easy access for strollers and older riders. Hundreds of passengers can wait on the platforms, avoiding the delays that occur when passengers each pay as they board.

Mr. Peñalosa noted that the negative stereotypes about bus travel required some clever rebranding. Now, he said, upscale condominiums advertise that they are near TransMilenio lines. “People don’t say, ‘I’m taking the bus,’ they say, ‘I’m taking TransMilenio,’ ” he added, as he rode at rush hour recently, chatting with other passengers.

Jorge Engarrita, 45, a leather worker who was riding TransMilenio to work, said the system had “changed his life,” reducing his commuting time to 40 minutes with one transfer from two or three hours on several buses. Free shuttle buses carry residents from outlying districts to TransMilenio terminals.

To the dismay of car owners, Bogotá removed one-third of its street parking to make room for TransMilenio and imposed alternate-day driving restrictions determined by license plate numbers, forcing car owners onto the system.

With an extensive route system, TransMilenio moves more passengers per mile every hour than almost any of the world’s subways. Most poorer cities that have built subways, like Manila and Lagos, Nigeria, can afford to build only a few limited lines because of the expense.

Subways cost more than 30 times as much per mile to build than a B.R.T. system, and three times as much to maintain. And bus rapid transit systems can be built more quickly. “Almost all rapidly developing cities understand that they need a metro or something like it, and you can get a B.R.T. by 2010 or a metro by 2060,” said Walter Hook, executive director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, in New York.

Although TransMilenio buses run on diesel, their efficient engines mean they emit less than half the nitrous oxide, particulate matter and carbon dioxide of the older minibuses. Cleaner fuels were either too expensive or did not work at Bogotá’s altitude, 9,000 feet above sea level.

TransMilenio is building more lines and underpasses to allow the buses to bypass clogged intersections, but for the moment the real challenge is overcrowding. Juan Gómez, 21, a businessman, takes TransMilenio only on days when he cannot drive, and he griped that it was often hard to find a seat.

“It’s O.K., but I prefer the car,” he said.
=====
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/07/09/world/28334957.JPG

Dispatchers at the control center monitor the more than 1,000 buses traveling along TransMilenio routes. To increase speed and efficiency, controllers are in contact with drivers and advise when to bypass another bus that is stopped at a station to load passengers.

Cabinet approves new bus, taxi fares


KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved an increase for taxi fares, from RM2 to RM3 for the first three minutes, after which it is 10sen for every 115 metres.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz announced the new fares on Thursday.

The fares are expected to come into affect next month, but no date has been specified.

The 50% surcharge after midnight still applies, but is now applicable at the time the passenger is left off and not when he or she is picked up.

Syed Nazri said a database on taxi drivers would also be set up to aid enforcement against errant drivers.

Express bus fares will also go up by 2sen per kilometre, while stage bus fares in Kuala Lumpur will increase by between 25sen and 70sen accoridng to zones.

Nazri Calls For Improvement In Quality Of Public Transport
July 16, 2009 22:08 PM
> http://bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=425977

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz today called for an improvement to the quality of public transport services in line with the higher fares effective Aug 1 he announced Thursday.

He said enforcement and monitoring would be stepped up to ensure that public transport operators adhered to regulations.

A data bank of drivers would be established to monitor the attitude and discipline of drivers, he said, warning of tough action against unethical drivers.

"Taxi drivers will be warned after the first offence and fined after the second. A third offence will result in revocation of their licence," he said at the presentation of 831 offer letters to taxi drivers in the Klang Valley, here.

He said consumers could write to him about unethical bus and taxi drivers for investigation.

Nazri told reporters that the increase in the bus and taxi fares was justified and that it would encourage operators to provide a better service.

He said the decision on the new fares had taken into consideration government initiatives and subsidies to help the public transport sector, such as fuel subsidy and toll fare reduction.

Consideration was also given to balancing the interests of operators and those of consumers so that the increase did not burden the latter, many of whom were from the low-income group.

Meanwhile, in KUANTAN, the Peninsular Malaysia Malay Bus Drivers Association welcomed the fare increase with the hope that it would improve the welfare of bus drivers as well as enable them enjoy a salary increase.

Its president, Mohd Yasin Yacob, said the welfare of bus drivers had been neglected, but with the fare increase he hoped that it would be given more attention by bus companies.

In KOTA KINABALU, Consumers Association of Sabah (Cash) president Datuk Patrick Sindu said the fare increase would burden the people, especially those with low income.

"For example, parents with low income with more than one child will feel the pinch due to the higher school bus fare.

He said that though the hike would be beneficial in terms of income for bus and taxi drivers, the situation might be the opposite in Sabah as the majority of the bus and taxi drivers in the state were foreigners.

"This would mean these foreigners would enjoy all or part of the increase and not the local people ... this must be rectified," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Bus, Taxi, Hire Car Fares Up On August 1
July 16, 2009 13:50 PM
> http://bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=425763

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The fares for express and stage buses, mini buses, school buses, taxis and hire cars nationwide will go up on Aug 1.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz announced today that the fares for express and stage buses and taxis would increase by between two sen and RM10.

The fare for school buses would be raised by between two sen and RM31.70, he said, adding that the express bus fares would go up by two sen to 8.5 sen per km in the peninsula and by two sen and three sen in Sarawak and Sabah, respectively, to 13 sen per km.

The fare for stage buses in Kuala Lumpur will increase by 25 sen to between RM1 and RM1.10 for Zone 1, by between 40 and 45 sen to between RM1.70 and RM1.90 for Zone 2, by between 50 and 60 sen to between RM2.20 and RM2.50 for Zone 3 and by between 60 and 70 sen to between RM2.70 and RM3.10 for Zone 4.

For areas outside Kuala Lumpur in the peninsula, the fare will increase by 14 sen to 62 sen for the first two kilometres for non-airconditioned buses and by 22 sen to 94 sen for the first two kilometres for airconditioned buses. The rate for the subsequent kilometres goes up by 2.2 sen to 9.4 sen.

In Sarawak, the fare for stage buses will increase by between 20 and 25 sen to 85 sen for the first three kilometres for non-airconditioned buses and by 1.8 to 5.4 sen to 16.2 sen per km for subsequent kilometres. For airconditioned houses, the fare will increase by between 24 and 34 sen to RM1.04 sen for the first three kilometres and by 1.2 to six sen to 18 sen per km for subsequent kilometres.

In Sabah, the fare for non-airconditioned stage buses will increase by 15 sen to 65 sen for the first two kilometres and by 2.2 sen to 9.4 sen per km for subsequent kilometres. For airconditioned stage buses, it will increase by 18 sen to 78 sen for the first two kilometres and by 2.4 sen to 10.4 sen per km for subsequent kilometres.

The fare for non-airconditioned mini buses in the peninsula will increase by 20 sen to 90 sen for a one-way trip and for airconditioned mini buses by 20 sen to RM1 while the fare for feeder buses will increase by 10 sen to 60 sen for a round trip.

In Sabah, the fare for non-airconditioned mini buses will increase by two sen to 18 sen per km and for airconditioned mini buses by three sen to 20 sen per km while the shuttle bus fare would be RM1.

The monthly school bus fare for urban areas in the peninsula will increase by RM6.33 to RM27.43 for the first kilometre and by 47 sen to RM2.02 per km for subsequent kilometres. The daily fare is 62 sen for the first kilometre and five sen per km for subsequent kilometres.

For the rural areas, the monthly school bus fare will increase by RM4.76 to RM20.61 for the first kilometre and by 47 sen to RM2.02 per km for subsequent kilometres. The daily fare is 47 sen for the first kilometre and five sen per km for subsequent kilometres.

In Sarawak, the non-airconditioned school bus fare will increase by two sen to 11 sen per kilometre and the airconditioned school bus fare by two sen to 12 sen per kilometre.

In Sabah, the minimum school bus fare will increase by RM7.90 to RM34.30 for a distance of less than five kilometres and the maximum fare by RM31.70 to RM137.30 for a distance of more than 60km.

The taxi fare in the Klang Valley, Johor Baharu, Kuala Terengganu and Melaka will increase by RM1 to RM3 for the first kilometre. The charge for every subsequent 115 metres is 10 sen.

The taxi fare in Penang will also go up by RM1 to RM4 for the first kilometre. The charge for every subsequent 115 metres is 10 sen.

The charge for ferrying more than two passengers and for carrying goods in the boot is abolished effective Aug 1.

The fare for airport taxis to KL International Airport and the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) will rise by RM3.20 while the fare to other airports will go up by between RM1.50 and RM2.80.

The non-airconditioned hire car fare will go up by 10.1 sen to 21.6 sen per km with a 50 sen additional charge per passenger and the airconditioned hire car fare will rise by 11.7 sen to 25 sen per km with a 50 sen additional charge per passenger.

In Sarawak, the non-airconditioned hire car fare will increase by 4.2 sen to 34.2 sen for the first kilometre and by 2.1 sen to 17.1 sen per km for subsequent kilometres while the airconditioned hire car fare will rise by five sen to 40 sen for the first kilometre and by 2.4 sen to 19.4 sen per km for subsequent kilometres.

The taxi fare will go up by RM1 to RM3 for the first kilometre and by two sen to 12 sen every 100 metres for the subsequent distance. The fare for airport taxi using coupons will rise by RM2.

In Sabah, the non-airconditioned hire car fare will rise by 2.5 sen to 20.5 sen per km and the airconditioned hire car fare by 2.8 sen to 22.8 sen per km while the fare for airport taxis using coupons will increase by RM10.

The taxi fare will go up by RM5 to RM10 for the first three kilometres and by 2 sen to 12 sen for every 100 metres for the subsequent distance.

Nazri said the Cabinet approved the fare increases at its meeting on June 17.

He also said that the government had outlined several improvements to the public transportation industry following the fare increase, including the use of the Global Positioning System and e-ticketing, 25 per cent fare deduction for the handicapped and people above 60, and uniforms for school bus drivers.

-- BERNAMA

Bus, taxi fares up 30%, service to improve, says Nazri


Table on the new fares
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/17/nation/n_newfare.pdf

KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport fares will cost 30% more from next month.

The new flag-off fare for taxis will be RM3, up from RM2, while passengers will be charged 10 sen for every 115m, instead of 150m currently.

For taxis caught in a traffic jam, the fare will be RM3 for the first three minutes and 10 sen for every subsequent 21 seconds, instead of 45 seconds previously. Taxis will also have to issue receipts.

Express bus fares will go up by two sen per kilometre, while for stage buses in Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas, the increase will be between 25 and 70 sen, according to the zones.


Nazri (third, left) with some of the taxi drivers after announcing the new fares for public transport.

Schoolbus fares in urban areas will also increase from RM21.10 to RM27.43 for the first kilometre and from RM1.55 to RM2.02 for every subsequent kilometre.

For rural areas, the increase will be from RM15.85 to RM20.61 for every kilometre.

Announcing the increase yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz said public transport companies were, however, also expected to improve their level of service in line with the fare hike.

“I don’t think the public will be shocked by the increase as they have been conditioned for it. The proposed increase has been reported for some time.

“The increase is reasonable, taking into consideration the various initiatives and subsidies given by the Government to the public transport sector,” he told reporters after giving permits to 831 taxi drivers here yesterday.

He said the Cabinet had, on June 17, agreed to the proposal to increase the fares. The fare structure will be reviewed every year, he added.

The last fare increase for taxis, and express and stage buses was in 2005, while for schoolbuses, it was in 2006.

Nazri said among the measures to enhance their service, public transport firms were expected to adhere to Government’s guidelines for efficient management of their fleet, display the fare schedule in all their vehicles and ensure training for all their drivers.

They were also expected to cooperate with the authorities to set up a databank of drivers’ records to aid enforcement against those blacklisted.

Other measures included a 25% discount to the disabled and senior citizens, streamlining of fares for Sabah and Sarawak, installation of global positioning systems and phasing out non-air conditioned buses by 2010.

Puspakom, added Nazri, has also agreed to reduce its fees to re-calibrate taxi meter fare from RM50 to RM10.

Hikes are ‘sad’, say bus operators


PETALING JAYA: The 30% fare increase for express buses and Kuala Lumpur stage coaches will not do much for the industry.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohd Ashfar Ali said that a 30% interim surcharge had already been implemented since Sept 15 last year, and this was just making it permanent.

“As far as we are concerned, it’s nothing new,” he said yesterday.

He said the hikes were “sad” as it meant that passengers could not enjoy better service, and workers would not be able to get their bonuses and salary increases.

He added that despite numerous memoranda to the Economic Planning Unit and the National Economic Action Council, the Government appeared not to grasp the real problems affecting bus operators.

“It is the operators servicing the rural people outside the Klang Valley that need the bus services to be subsidised.

“Raising the fares only for buses plying urban routes was not effective as their passenger loads were consistently high and profitable, unlike those servicing rural roads,” Ashfar said.

Meanwhile, National Collaborative Council of Parent-Teacher Associations chairman Datuk Mohd Ali Hasan said the schoolbus price hike should not have exceeded 10%.

He said the increase did not take into account the hardships faced by the people.

“The bus drivers’ associations must also consider the general welfare of the people, who will feel the pinch of this hike,” Mohd Ali said.

Ariff Kassim, a parent in Johor Baru, said the hike came at a bad time.

“I’m paying RM80 a month for my son in Form Three. I will probably need to pay more than RM100 now.

“As a parent, I cannot support any increase,” Ariff said.

Business owner Jamilah Adom, who said she would need to fork out more than RM300 with the fare increase, called it “unreasonable.”

Despite the announced rise in fares, some taxi drivers currently operating without meters said they did not feel the need to change.

“I can still earn more operating without the meter,” said a taxi driver who did not wish to be identified.

Most taxi drivers interviewed, however, said they were happy with the new rates as it was better than nothing.

Meanwhile, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board will conduct random checks to ensure that all public transport firms adhered to regulations to improve their services.

Board chairman Datuk Halimah Sadique said it would also make it compulsory for all taxi drivers to be members of associations so that they could be traced if they flouted regulations.

She added that public transport firms had four months from Aug 1 to calibrate their taxi meters and ensure that all the policies were in place.

Jangan hanya duduk di pejabat

Oleh MOHD HAFEED KHALID
pengarang@utusan.com.my


http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0717/Utusan_Malaysia/Kota/wk_02.1.jpg
ANGGOTA penguat kuasa Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur menyerahkan saman kepada seorang pemandu bas yang dikesan melakukan kesalahan jalan raya semasa Ops Halang di Kuala Lumpur, kelmarin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 16 Julai – Pengusaha bas awam di ibu negara diminta turun padang dan melihat sendiri kerenah pemandu mereka ketika di jalan raya sebelum menyalahkan pihak berkuasa yang menyaman pemandu terbabit kerana melakukan kesalahan.

Penolong Pegawai Penguat Kuasa Kanan DBKL, Ashari Ahmad berkata, pengusaha bas tidak akan tahu perangai pemandu mereka jika hanya duduk di pejabat dan mendengar cerita dari sebelah pihak.

“Tidak perlu sertai operasi kami tetapi cukup dengan meninjau sendiri sikap pemandu yang mereka upah,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas Operasi Bersepadu Pengangkutan Awam dan Perdagangan (Ops Halang) di sini semalam.

Operasi siri lima itu membabitkan empat pihak berkuasa iaitu DBKL, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) dan Jabatan Imigresen.

Ia membabitkan 23 pegawai dan anggota dan diadakan di lima lokasi utama iaitu Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, Jalan Tun H.S Lee, Lebuh Pudu, Jalan Hang Kasturi dan Jalan Silang.

Dalam operasi itu, walaupun pemandu bas terbabit menggunakan khidmat tonto, mereka masih gagal mengelak daripada dikenakan saman oleh pihak berkuasa.

Sebanyak 94 saman dikeluarkan sepanjang dua jam Ops Halang itu iaitu 54 saman oleh DBKL, 38 oleh PDRM dan dua lagi oleh JPJ.

Antara kesalahan yang dilakukan oleh pemandu bas ialah berhenti terlalu lama dan meletak kenderaan awam di garisan kuning sehingga mengganggu kelancaran lalu lintas.

Dalam operasi itu juga, DBKL turut menunda sebuah kereta yang membuat halangan dengan diletakkan di garisan kuning.

Ashari berkata, jumlah notis kali ini menunjukkan peningkatan berbanding operasi sebelum ini dan ia dipercayai hasil perancangan terperinci yang dilakukan oleh pihaknya termasuk dari segi ketepatan waktu.

Tambahnya, operasi itu bertujuan mendidik pemandu bas dan teksi supaya mematuhi undang-undang jalan raya demi kebaikan dan keselesaan semua pihak.

Beliau berkata, statistik lengkap operasi itu akan dihantar ke Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) untuk tindakan susulan terhadap pengusaha bas.

10 years on, bus company workers’ salaries and EPF remain unpaid
BY ZALINAH NOORDIN


KUALA LUMPUR: After more than 10 years, some 350 workers of the now defunct Len Omnibus Co Bhd are still waiting for their salaries and EPF contributions.

Although some of those who were not paid their dues had passed away, those surviving, many who are in their 50s, are fighting for their monies.

They claimed that their EPF contributions had not been remitted since 1997 while those who had retired were waiting for their gratuity payments.

The EPF contributions owing to the workers were estimated at RM100,000 while the unpaid gratuity and salaries amounted to more than RM1mil.

A representative of the group Abdul Rahman Ismail, a former ticketing officer with the company for 20 years, said those affected were drivers, conductors and clerical workers.

“We’ve been referred to the Labour Office but we’ve been sent on a wild goose chase. Each time we were there we were treated rudely,” he said.

Three of the seven directors of Len Omnibus have filed for bankruptcy and one has absconded.

“So what’s going to happen to us if the directors are declared a bankrupt? Does it mean that we won’t get the money that we’ve worked so hard for all these years?”

He was one of the 30 disgruntled workers who had sought help from Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk T. Murugiah who was at the Kampung Sri Batu Kemas Community Centre.

“We have no choice but to see Datuk Murugiah as we’ve been made to wait for so long. Ten of the workers have died while waiting for the money,” Abdul Rahman said.

Another worker, Yap Lai Heng, a former bus driver with the company said that he lost his job after it went bust in 2002.

Not having received his salary since the late 2001, Yap, who had been a bus driver with the company for 15 years, has exhausted his savings and is now doing odd-jobs to make ends meet.

Murugiah said that he would look into the matter and gave the agencies involved one month to solve the issue.

“I’ll see to it that they receive their salaries and the parties involved have to look for ways to solve the matter,” he added.

Terminal bas daif
Oleh Abdullah Wahab
abwahab@hmetro.com.my





SHAH ALAM: Ibarat kera di hutan disusukan, anak pula mati kelaparan, itulah yang berlaku kepada Terminal Bas dan Teksi Seksyen 17 di sini apabila ia seolah-olah terlepas pandang oleh pihak berwajib sekali gus menyebabkan prasarana di situ semakin uzur tanpa pembelaan sewajarnya.

Terminal bas dan teksi yang dibina kira-kira 40 tahun lalu sehingga kini belum ada perubahan menyebabkan pengguna dan peniaga di kawasan berkenaan tidak selesa.

Pengerusi Persatuan Teksi dan Kereta Sewa Seksyen 17, Borhan Karim, berkata kawasan terminal terbabit agak sempit dan hanya seluas kira-kira dua hektar dan ia tidak dapat menampung 100 bas dan lebih 65 teksi yang beroperasi di situ setiap hari.

“Perhentian ini terminal utama di Selangor, tetapi prasarananya tiada. Pengguna terpaksa berdiri kerana tempat duduk terhad.

“Itu belum termasuk kenderaan awam yang keluar masuk. Ada yang berebut dengan bas dan teksi menyebabkan kesesakan teruk di sini,” katanya.

Borhan berkata, persatuan ada mengusulkan perkara itu kepada kerajaan negeri dan pihaknya difahamkan ada perancangan dibuat kerajaan, tetapi pelaksanaan belum dibuat.

“Terminal ini menerima penumpang dari seluruh negara, tapi kerajaan seolah-olah terlepas pandang membiarkan kawasan ini beroperasi dalam keadaan daif.

“Di Selangor, kita tertinggal, peruntukan untuk kemudahan awam untuk kawasan ini tiada menyebabkan pengguna dan peniaga terpaksa duduk dalam keadaan tidak selesa,” katanya kesal.

Menurutnya, selain itu, pondok polis tidak dibina di situ berikutan kawasan terhad manakala penguat kuasa Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) terpaksa menyediakan meja untuk mengawasi kenderaan keluar masuk di situ.

Enjoy free bus ride in Kota Baru on Sunday
By SYED AZHAR


ON Sunday, commuters in Kota Baru, Kelantan, will enjoy a free ride on 15 selected buses within and the outskirts of the town, courtesy of Maxis Communica-tions Berhad.

Maxis East Coast Territorial head Mazlan Mokhtar said the buses would have Hotlink logos painted on them.

“This is our pilot project and this is one way for us to reach out to the people of Kelantan to show that we are reciprocating their support for subscribing to Hotlink services,” he said.

“We are also giving out goodie bags for the first 600 passengers to board the buses and RM10 prepaid top up cards for the first 300 passengers on board the buses.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/6/north/busride.jpg
(From left) Takiyuddin, Mazlan adn Rozalila at the launch of the free bus services in Kota Baru.

“All those who want to col-lect the goodies and the cards only have to show their mobile phones as proof of subscrip- tion to receive the gifts,” he told reporters at the symbolic launch of the free bus services.

The function was launched by state Local Government, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

Takiyuddin commended Ma-xis for its effort in helping the lower income group to reduce their expenses for the day.

Maxis general manager and strategic marketing (segmentation) commuters business division head Rozalila Abdul Rahman said those who wished to enjoy the free bus services could catch the buses in Kota Baru town which would be plying 11 routes: Bachok, Beris, Pengkalan Baru, Bandar 60A & B, Bandar 61A & B, Kem Desa, Kemumin, Sabak, Kuala Semut Api, Pengkalan Chepa, Pengkalan Kubur, Pulau Melaka, Sabak, Airport, Salor and Pasir Mas.

NEW Public Bus @ Kuching, Sarawak

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk226/kealchg/DSC00961-1.jpg

Public Bus @ Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2086/2371040320_fbd12045ce_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3802715887_9af9cc52b9_b.jpg

Public bus @ Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/3018957978_6d2b09d0a1_b.jpg

1 Borneo Hypermall

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5764/21303139a.jpg

1Borneo Shuttle Bus @ Warisan Square Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2552125607_0a7ce2e50d_b.jpg

From http://sabahbah.com/

http://sabahbah.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/090309-1borne-shuttle.jpg

http://beautifulkk.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/img_1166wtmk.jpg

http://sabahbah.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/00285.jpg

Bus @ THE MALAYSIA AGRO - EXPOSITION PARK SERDANG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/09/10/10/04/5031881_967x725.JPG

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/09/10/10/04/5031886_984x738.JPG

Streets mail: Be fair with the bus fares

2009/10/14
LILY FU, Ampang

BUS fares in the Klang Valley went up on Sept 1. While RapidKL has made available special concession passes for senior citizens, Metro bus company has not done so, even though they do offer this privilege to senior citizens. So every time I board a Metro bus, I get into a confrontation with the bus conductor.

Senior citizens aged 60 and above are entitled to half fare. This is stated clearly on the notices pasted all over the insides of the Metro buses. But the conductor invariably insists I pay the full fare. This is how some of them argue: "The boss never informed us of this half fare"; "You don't look like you are 60 plus"; "The new ruling is 65 years and more"; "None of the elderly passengers have asked for half fare"; "We don't have time to check all the identity cards"; "As you wish, but I'll report to my boss about this"; "It's the Hari Raya school holidays, no concession"; and "It's a short distance, so we can't accept half fare".

The 50 per cent off may not sound like much, but it all adds up to a tidy sum at the end of the month for a retiree or pensioner.

Now wouldn't it be lovely to board a Metro bus and when you take your money out to pay the full fare, the conductor smilingly tells you, "Auntie, you only need to pay half fare". That would certainly make my day.

http://www.malaysiavacationguide.com/images/ikanofreeshuttle.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/527488247_5b3282d7c8.jpg

Streets mail: Be fair with the bus fares

2009/10/14
LILY FU, Ampang

BUS fares in the Klang Valley went up on Sept 1. While RapidKL has made available special concession passes for senior citizens, Metro bus company has not done so, even though they do offer this privilege to senior citizens. So every time I board a Metro bus, I get into a confrontation with the bus conductor.

Senior citizens aged 60 and above are entitled to half fare. This is stated clearly on the notices pasted all over the insides of the Metro buses. But the conductor invariably insists I pay the full fare. This is how some of them argue: "The boss never informed us of this half fare"; "You don't look like you are 60 plus"; "The new ruling is 65 years and more"; "None of the elderly passengers have asked for half fare"; "We don't have time to check all the identity cards"; "As you wish, but I'll report to my boss about this"; "It's the Hari Raya school holidays, no concession"; and "It's a short distance, so we can't accept half fare".

The 50 per cent off may not sound like much, but it all adds up to a tidy sum at the end of the month for a retiree or pensioner.

Now wouldn't it be lovely to board a Metro bus and when you take your money out to pay the full fare, the conductor smilingly tells you, "Auntie, you only need to pay half fare". That would certainly make my day.Adds more fuel to my fire. Wait 'til I give this letter to the CVLB at the National Summit tomorrow.

Cheers, m

400 new buses for RapidKL? - http://transitmy.org/2009/10/23/400-new-buses-for-rapidkl/

The Association for the Improvement of Mass-Transit (TRANSIT) notes that public transport holding company Prasarana (Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad) has placed a tender announcement for the purchase of 400 new chassis for CKD (completely knocked down) buses to be operated on by their subsidiary RapidKL Sdn. Bhd.

Tender announcement: BM (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/pdf/adv_bm400ckd.pdf), English (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/pdf/adv_eng400ckd.pdf)

At present, we do not know if the tender for 400 bus chassis is for an expansion of services or a replacement for some of the buses that were purchased for RapidKL between 2005-2009.

In any case, the timing of the tender is interesting, given the release of the Auditor General's 2008 Report which found problems with the purchase of RapidKL buses in 2007-2008 that were of low quality.

We are also concerned because these low-quality buses were purchased to replace buses (operated by IntraKota) that were scrapped by Prasarana in 2005-2006.

According to a statement on Prasarana's website, these former IntraKota buses were incapable of being salvaged when they were turned over to Prasarana.

We at TRANSIT expect that buses should be able to last at least 10-12 years without requiring significant maintenance or overhaul. The fact that Prasarana has sent buses less than 5 years old to the scrap heap already, and may do so again in the near future, is of great concern to us.

We also find it especially interesting is that, according to an industry source, the tender was actually called earlier this year (we do not know which company was successful) and the tender announcement this week is actually a 'surprise' re-tender!

In light of the Auditor General's 2008 Report as well as concerns about the interior design of the RapidKL buses, the Association for the Improvement of Mass-Transit (TRANSIT) calls on Prasarana to open up the tender process for greater scrutiny from the public, the Auditor-General's Office and interested Wakil Rakyat.

We also believe that it is vital to have feedback from public transport users on the design and interior features of buses.

Sincerely

Moaz Yusuf Ahmad
on behalf of TRANSITCheers, m

KL to have dedicated bus lanes from 2011
Friday December 18, 2009
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/12/18/nation/5331287&sec=nation

FOR the first time ever, the Government will introduce dedicated bus lanes which are separated from normal roads by barriers as part of the move to encourage the use of public transport.

Transport Ministry special adviser for transport Mohamad Nur Kamal said Kuala Lumpur’s bus rapid transit Corridor One would be introduced in 2011.

This would be followed by Corridor Two and Corridor Three the following year.

Unlike earlier dedicated bus lanes introduced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the lanes are different as they will be separated from normal roads and only buses will have access to them.

Mohamad Nur, who is the team leader for the Urban Public Transport Laboratory, said four bus expressway transit routes would be built next year.

These would allow buses to travel along under-utilised highways to Kuala Lumpur city centre with limited stops along the way.

For rail services, Mohamad Nur said there would be 26 new four-car light rail transit train sets for the Kelana Jaya line next year. An additional 35 would be available in 2011.

“The LRT extension to Putra Heights in Subang Jaya will also be completed and there will be 14 new trains for the Ampang LRT line,” he said, adding that the capacity for monorail service will be doubled.

By 2011, he said 15 refurbished electric multiple units would be available for KTM Komuter.

“Currently, there are 23 to 25 running train sets for KTM Komuter and the figure is expected to increase to 80 sets by 2012. We hope to reduce the Komuter headways to 7.5 minutes in 2012.”

Next year, Mohamad Nur said there would also be discounted fare rates by all operators for commuters who used Touch ’n Go cards.

He said drivers with outstanding summonses would be refused road tax renewals next year to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Buses all over the country should be checked. There is an incident that the fan explode and injured a passenger . The fan hit his..........

Buses all over the country should be checked. There is an incident that the fan explode and injured a passenger . The fan hit his..........


metal divider at the road also need to be recheck...
no maintenance at the road also is a part of accident...

too many to be checked...

Hybrid buses to make debut soon
2010/02/12
By Ben Tan

JOHOR BARU: Public transport in the country will become greener with the usage of diesel-electric buses here this year.
Called hybrid buses, the coaches emit less smoke and are cheaper to maintain. The buses, which run on diesel and battery power, will be the first in the country to use hybrid technology and are said to consume 30 per cent less fuel than conventional ones.

Currently, only hybrid cars such as the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius are available in the local market.

It is learned that a local company called Autotech International Sdn Bhd will be bringing in the first unit for a trial run here by April.

The Klang Valley-based company has sourced the hybrid technology from a China-based company, China Enviro Power Limited, which has been supplying the buses to several developed countries for the past two years.

A source close to the company told the New Straits Times that the buses, costing RM1 million each, is a 12 metre-long coach with 40 seats.

It is powered by a 3- to 4-litre diesel engine with an electric power train.

The source also said government-linked public transport company Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd is close to inking a deal for the acquisition of the buses.

The source added that Autotech is in talks with Iskandar Malaysia and local bus operators on the possibility of purchasing the buses.

When contacted, Autotech chief operating officer Nik Iruwan Nik Izani confirmed that the buses will be brought in, adding that the company was keen to develop public transport in Malaysia.

He said the company was in talks with several local partners on the feasibility of assembling the buses here.

It is learned that the bus chassis will be imported, while the coach-building and refurbishment will be carried out by a company in Senai.

The hybrid buses that will be brought in for the trial run will only be used for urban and suburban transportation.

Singapore has conducted its own hybrid bus trial programme late last year through public transportation company SMRT Corp and Brickston Transport, a factory worker transport company.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said the introduction of the hybrid buses was a positive move towards reducing emissions.



"I don't see a problem with the hybrid buses provided they are safe for passengers and the authorities approve it for Malaysian roads."



Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had assured world leaders at the United Nations' Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen that Malaysia was committed towards reducing the effects of global warming.

Hybrid buses to make debut soon
2010/02/12
By Ben Tan

JOHOR BARU: Public transport in the country will become greener with the usage of diesel-electric buses here this year.
Called hybrid buses, the coaches emit less smoke and are cheaper to maintain. The buses, which run on diesel and battery power, will be the first in the country to use hybrid technology and are said to consume 30 per cent less fuel than conventional ones.

Currently, only hybrid cars such as the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius are available in the local market.

It is learned that a local company called Autotech International Sdn Bhd will be bringing in the first unit for a trial run here by April.

The Klang Valley-based company has sourced the hybrid technology from a China-based company, China Enviro Power Limited, which has been supplying the buses to several developed countries for the past two years.

A source close to the company told the New Straits Times that the buses, costing RM1 million each, is a 12 metre-long coach with 40 seats.

It is powered by a 3- to 4-litre diesel engine with an electric power train.

The source also said government-linked public transport company Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd is close to inking a deal for the acquisition of the buses.

The source added that Autotech is in talks with Iskandar Malaysia and local bus operators on the possibility of purchasing the buses.

When contacted, Autotech chief operating officer Nik Iruwan Nik Izani confirmed that the buses will be brought in, adding that the company was keen to develop public transport in Malaysia.

He said the company was in talks with several local partners on the feasibility of assembling the buses here.

It is learned that the bus chassis will be imported, while the coach-building and refurbishment will be carried out by a company in Senai.

The hybrid buses that will be brought in for the trial run will only be used for urban and suburban transportation.

Singapore has conducted its own hybrid bus trial programme late last year through public transportation company SMRT Corp and Brickston Transport, a factory worker transport company.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said the introduction of the hybrid buses was a positive move towards reducing emissions.

"I don't see a problem with the hybrid buses provided they are safe for passengers and the authorities approve it for Malaysian roads."

Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had assured world leaders at the United Nations' Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen that Malaysia was committed towards reducing the effects of global warming.

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/25gre/Article/index_html

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/25gre/pix_middle

A diesel-electric bus similar to this will be
brought into Malaysia for the trial run

Source: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/25gre/Article/index_html

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/25gre/pix_middle

A diesel-electric bus similar to this will be
brought into Malaysia for the trial runOh, God Noooooooooooooooooooooo!

Hybrid buses are terrible! They do not work as well as the manufacturers promise. They are only good for routes that are have reasonable distances between stops...too long a distance or too short a distance and the electric motors do not recharge.

Cheers, m

City Bus @ Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (can see Suria Sabah shopping mall overthere :cheers: )
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4353387345_d1bc349bfb_b.jpg

Oh, God Noooooooooooooooooooooo!

Hybrid buses are terrible! They do not work as well as the manufacturers promise. They are only good for routes that are have reasonable distances between stops...too long a distance or too short a distance and the electric motors do not recharge.

Cheers, m
agreed. and it cannot be 3 to 4-litre! that's crazily inadequate for urban busing operations! 12-metre buses in this category should come with engines of at least 6.8-litres in capacity, with or without electric motors!

The company in Senai involved in body-building is likely to be Gemilang Coachworks Sdn Bhd.

i prefer NGV buses. Bangkok is ahead of us in that case....

City Bus @ Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (can see Suria Sabah shopping mall overthere :cheers: )
From flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4353387345_d1bc349bfb_b.jpg

I personally don't like the colour scheme...please change into a colour scheme comprising either one or two colours only...blend with the environment nicely...white/cream is even better...

P.S: too much complain from me I guess...

i prefer NGV buses. Bangkok is ahead of us in that case....we are so behind on NGV it's not even funny....in fact, we are so behind on clean diesel it is not even funny. Wait until EURO V starts to appear.

Cheers, m

TRANSIT notes that there will be a meeting of Klang MPs, Klang ADUNs and Klang Municipal Council members regarding Klang public transport:

http://transitmy.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/meeting-on-klang-public-transport-9-april1.jpg

We hope that residents of Klang will attend the session and come prepared to discuss issues related to Klang Sentral, connections with KL, bus rapid transit, traffic congestion, etc.

For more information about TRANSIT's proposal, see our Klang proposal at http://transitmy.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/klang-rapid-transit-routes-summary.pdf

Your ideas and suggestions are very welcome.

Cheers, m

Just took note of these two tenders at Prasarana's tender site (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/index.html):

"SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, COMMISSIONNING AND WARRANTY OF INTELLIGENT CLOSE CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) SYSTEM FOR RAPIDKL BUSES (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/pdf/cctv_ad_eng.pdf)" (ENG) - Closing 6 May 2010

"MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY, DELIVERY, TESTING, COMMISSIONING, WARRANTY AND REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF 70 UNITS OF 8 METRES COMPLETELY KNOCKED DOWN (CKD) DIESEL CITY BUSES FOR RAPIDKL " (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/pdf/ckd_bus10_eng.pdf) (ENG) - Closing 21 May 2010

Looks like RapidKL is going to go back into the mini-bus service business like RapidPenang is doing.

Cheers, m

Lots of mini buses are good at off peak hours when the ridership is low and hopefully they can maintain the service frequency. And I think it's pretty useful at stations like Bandar Tasik Selatan where the long buses have to navigate through tight curves which are often blocked by people parking their cars at the roadside.

Just took note of these two tenders at Prasarana's tender site (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/index.html):

"SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, COMMISSIONNING AND WARRANTY OF INTELLIGENT CLOSE CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) SYSTEM FOR RAPIDKL BUSES (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/pdf/cctv_ad_eng.pdf)" (ENG) - Closing 6 May 2010

"MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY, DELIVERY, TESTING, COMMISSIONING, WARRANTY AND REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF 70 UNITS OF 8 METRES COMPLETELY KNOCKED DOWN (CKD) DIESEL CITY BUSES FOR RAPIDKL " (http://www.prasarana.com.my/info/pdf/ckd_bus10_eng.pdf) (ENG) - Closing 21 May 2010

Looks like RapidKL is going to go back into the mini-bus service business like RapidPenang is doing.

Cheers, m

Nice but i hope they maintain some of their mid/full size buses for certain areas due to comfort and capacity.

Any news on any BRT developments??,i hope they do cause its pretty useful in certain areas in KL.

Lots of mini buses are good at off peak hours when the ridership is low and hopefully they can maintain the service frequency. And I think it's pretty useful at stations like Bandar Tasik Selatan where the long buses have to navigate through tight curves which are often blocked by people parking their cars at the roadside.I hope they do not intend to use the buses for off-peak times - these buses should be used for feeder service into various 'tamans' and 'jayas' rather than as regular route buses.

As for the issue with parking at the stations - it is up to RapidKL to enforce the rules and the clear routes for buses and bomba...so if they do not it is their own mistake.

Nice but i hope they maintain some of their mid/full size buses for certain areas due to comfort and capacity.

Any news on any BRT developments??,i hope they do cause its pretty useful in certain areas in KL.As I said, I think these buses are more for feeder services - will have to see the plans tho.

No news on BRT - but BRT is going to be a SPAD initiative and the process was BET, bus lanes, BRT.

So we have to see some expansion of BET and talk of improved bus lanes before we hear about BRT.

Cheers, m

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs410.snc3/24775_1423476675629_1494090640_31111241_7988614_n.jpg

Anggota Bomba dan Penyelamat memadamkan api dalam kebakaran sebuah bas di hadapan Plaza Kota Raya, Jalan Silang, Kuala Lumpur, 25 April.
ehsan: utusan.com.my

Good symbolism of the state of our public transportation.

How can ppl take public transport when thing like this occur to our buses!!!

I ride the metrobus and suddenly the engine 'boom'...
But the driver have no reaction and continue the journey...

I ride the metrobus and suddenly the engine 'boom'...
But the driver have no reaction and continue the journey...

everyone knows Metrobus is like a "cowboy bus" company.their drivers dont wear uniform, they make their own bus hub in front of shop houses, depart whenever they want...etc:nuts:

I ride the metrobus and suddenly the engine 'boom'...
But the driver have no reaction and continue the journey...

Hahahaha. Cartoonist LAT would love this moment and put it on drawing.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs410.snc3/24775_1423476675629_1494090640_31111241_7988614_n.jpg

Anggota Bomba dan Penyelamat memadamkan api dalam kebakaran sebuah bas di hadapan Plaza Kota Raya, Jalan Silang, Kuala Lumpur, 25 April.
ehsan: utusan.com.my

Good symbolism of the state of our public transportation.

How can ppl take public transport when thing like this occur to our buses!!!

haha metrobus...suck!!!! bawak bus mcm org gila.....

The temporary bus terminal at Jalan Galloway will be opened to short-distance "intra-city" buses starting Saturday

The routes will be KL - Klang and KL-Tg. Malim.

Terminal open for short-distance buses (http://streets.nst.com.my/Current_News/Streets/Friday/Stories/20100514004125/Article/index_html) (Streets-NST)
14 May 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: The bus terminal in Jalan Hang Tuah will start operating tomorrow to cater for those on short journeys to Seremban and Tanjung Malim.
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib said the facility was to accommodate short-haul express bus services following the four-month closure of Puduraya Terminal for maintenance and renovation works.

"The temporary bus terminal at National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil will cater for long-distance express buses," he said in a statement.

For information, call the City Hall Transport Department at 03-2614 4222 or 1-800 883 25. -- Bernama
Cheers, m

I wonder, is there any demand for late night urban bus service?

In other countries, when the train service stops at late night, they have late night bus service as a mean to provide public transport at late night or early morning (before the start of rail service)...

http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/PropertyScene/5441/0/0

Nadzmi says the Government should tender out specific routes to private companies, with the most suitable candidates chosen. In return, the operator is paid a fixed fee per km that they run, which includes the operators’ cost plus a profit margin.

Ticket sales on the other hand should be entirely in the hands of the Government, using prepaid tickets.

“All revenue should go directly to the Government. While the Government may not necessarily make a profit from this (after paying the operators’ fixed fee) it would certainly not be making the losses Prasarana is enduring today. So the Government will be paying less to subsidise public transport.”

To ensure that operators provide a high quality of service, certain key performance indicators or a customer service index can be created to ensure that bus companies do their jobs well.

Interestingly, Nadzmi’s plans are not too different from those of the recently-formed Land Public Transport Authority or SPAD.

But Nadzmi had earlier expressed his disappointment about not being included in the urban public transport laboratory that had come up with plans to revamp the public bus sector.

Why weren't the operators looped in by the lab ? Doesn't make sense, don't they have to do case studies to come up with all those 'ideas' ? Sheeshh.

http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyScene/PropertyScene/5441/0/0



Why weren't the operators looped in by the lab ? Doesn't make sense, don't they have to do case studies to come up with all those 'ideas' ? Sheeshh.the lab was really a "government-to-government" gab session - only a few representatives from the industry were invited, and only after most of the decisions had been made.

Future forums will have to be different - but why wait for SPAD - everyone is invited to make use of transitmy.org as their public transport forum!

(this forum is good but we're kind of biased)

Cheers, m