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44,615 Posts
no wonder rapid kl stoped the rm4 and rm7 fares..... F**K metrobus....
Posts by rizalhakim
1 - 20 of 88 Posts
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44,615 Posts
metrobus bukan co chinese punya ke? rapidkl yeap suku sakat BN!
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RapidKL’s low bus fares not approved, court told
KUALA LUMPUR: RapidKL's low bus fares were implemented without the approval of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), a High Court heard.
The fares charged by the public transport operator, known as Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd, also did not comply with the CVLB (Rates of Fare) Rules 2000, claims bus company Metrobus Nationwide Sdn Bhd.
Metrobus, a direct competitor of RapidKL’s bus services, is seeking a judicial review of the fares at the High Court’s appellate and special powers division.
The company named the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board and the Government as respondents in its application, which was heard yesterday.
Metrobus, in its application, is seeking an order to compel both respondents to enforce the fare rules on RapidKL.
It also seeks to declare, among others, that the respondents’ failure to do so contravened Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which stated that all persons are equal before the law.
Apart from that, Metrobus wants to be compensated by the respondents.
Wong Kian Kheong, counsel for Metrobus, said the fares charged by RapidKL were far lower than those stipulated under the CVLB (Rates of Fare) Rules imposed on his client.
Wong said after RapidKL implemented the low daily fares for its buses on April 21 last year, his client had suffered losses amounting to about RM88,320 a day, or some RM2.7mil a month.
The two compete on 44 routes.
Wong said Metrobus’ representatives had met the Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Ministry secretary-general and the CVLB’s representatives in June last year to discuss the matter.
“The CVLB representatives said they had contacted RapidKL over the fares which were implemented without the board’s approval,” the lawyer said.
Federal Counsel Shamsurryaty Shamsuddin appeared for CVLB and the Government.
The hearing before Justice Abdul Kadir Musa will continue on April 24.
KUALA LUMPUR: RapidKL's low bus fares were implemented without the approval of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), a High Court heard.
The fares charged by the public transport operator, known as Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd, also did not comply with the CVLB (Rates of Fare) Rules 2000, claims bus company Metrobus Nationwide Sdn Bhd.
Metrobus, a direct competitor of RapidKL’s bus services, is seeking a judicial review of the fares at the High Court’s appellate and special powers division.
The company named the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board and the Government as respondents in its application, which was heard yesterday.
Metrobus, in its application, is seeking an order to compel both respondents to enforce the fare rules on RapidKL.
It also seeks to declare, among others, that the respondents’ failure to do so contravened Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which stated that all persons are equal before the law.
Apart from that, Metrobus wants to be compensated by the respondents.
Wong Kian Kheong, counsel for Metrobus, said the fares charged by RapidKL were far lower than those stipulated under the CVLB (Rates of Fare) Rules imposed on his client.
Wong said after RapidKL implemented the low daily fares for its buses on April 21 last year, his client had suffered losses amounting to about RM88,320 a day, or some RM2.7mil a month.
The two compete on 44 routes.
Wong said Metrobus’ representatives had met the Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Ministry secretary-general and the CVLB’s representatives in June last year to discuss the matter.
“The CVLB representatives said they had contacted RapidKL over the fares which were implemented without the board’s approval,” the lawyer said.
Federal Counsel Shamsurryaty Shamsuddin appeared for CVLB and the Government.
The hearing before Justice Abdul Kadir Musa will continue on April 24.
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44,615 Posts
Streets mail: Two hours waiting for RapidKL bus
H.A, Shah Alam
RAPIDKL is said to be one of the most efficient public transport in this country.
However, many commuters in Shah Alam, especially those who live in Seksyen 7, do not think so. Rapid KL buses used to ply the route at 15 minute intervals. But lately, the buses are no longer punctual. Now we have to wait longer for the bus.
I am a student of UiTM and a regular user of RapidKL bus. In fact I totally depend on them to go everywhere especially for tutorial classes. Because of the irregular service, my schedules have been totally upset. Sometimes I have to wait for two hours to catch a bus to my college, which is three kilmoetres away.
Not only are the buses late, sometimes they do not stop to pick up passengers because they are full. Because of this we have to wait for another bus, which means one hour delay.
I really hope this problem can be solved immediately by RapidKL management because many people, especially students, depend on public transportation.
H.A, Shah Alam
RAPIDKL is said to be one of the most efficient public transport in this country.
However, many commuters in Shah Alam, especially those who live in Seksyen 7, do not think so. Rapid KL buses used to ply the route at 15 minute intervals. But lately, the buses are no longer punctual. Now we have to wait longer for the bus.
I am a student of UiTM and a regular user of RapidKL bus. In fact I totally depend on them to go everywhere especially for tutorial classes. Because of the irregular service, my schedules have been totally upset. Sometimes I have to wait for two hours to catch a bus to my college, which is three kilmoetres away.
Not only are the buses late, sometimes they do not stop to pick up passengers because they are full. Because of this we have to wait for another bus, which means one hour delay.
I really hope this problem can be solved immediately by RapidKL management because many people, especially students, depend on public transportation.
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44,615 Posts
Revamp public transport now, says Nadzmi
By : Jennifer Gomez
KUALA LUMPUR: The country's biggest road transport operator is calling for the government to stay out of the business. It wants the government-linked transport companies to be privatised.
Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB) chairman Datuk Nadzmi Salleh said the government-linked companies were creating unfair competition in the industry.
Citing an example, Nadzmi said Rangkaian Pengangkutan Intergrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), a 100 per cent government-owned company under the Ministry of Finance, was given grants to buy new buses unlike private operators who had to raise their own finance for purchases.
"This (grant) is unfair. Furthermore, it is the taxpayers' money," he said.
Because of this, RapidKL could offer lower fares compared with those approved by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board for other operators.
KTB is currently the largest bus operator in the country with a fleet of over 1,500 buses.
Nadzmi was also calling for an immediate increase in fares for the current economy class travel for express bus operation by 54 per cent although other operators wanted a 100 per cent increase.
The transport industry has been under scrutiny since the much publicised Bukit Gantang express bus crash that killed 22 people in August last year.
The tragedy opened a can of worms, mainly about bus operators leasing out their buses to third parties as they could not manage the rising cost of operations.
Public transport fares are regulated by the government.
The industry has been calling for a revision in the government policies but nothing has been forthcoming.
Nadzmi, in calling for a revamp of the highly-regulated public transport industry, is suggesting a single authority like that of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore.
All the agencies related to the road transport industry will be under one authority.
This, he said, would result in effective formulation of policies that matched the objectives of the government, operators and commuting public.
He cited the example of taxis paying a lower toll rate while express buses had to pay the common rate.
"We should be charged the same rate as taxis since we are serving the lower income group who travel on economy class," he said.
He cited another example of diesel subsidies not being uniformly distributed currently, with KTB getting 30 per cent while other operators were given 100 per cent.
Nadzmi said the government should also reduce the current subsidised diesel rate from RM1.58 a litre to RM1 a litre to help the private sector cope with the rising cost of operations.
Operating costs had gone up substantially over the last two years.
One of the cost factors was for bus terminal rental, which had gone up by between 30 and 200 per cent since 2006, despite the fact that most of the bus terminals in the country were government-owned.
He suggested that subsidies be channelled to the lower income group, for instance stage buses (intra city buses that stop at every bus stop) and economy class travel.
He added that while fares for such travel should continue to be regulated, it should also be reviewed annually. The last fare review for the express bus industry was in 2005.
Fares for executive travel, however, should be determined by market forces, he said.
By : Jennifer Gomez
KUALA LUMPUR: The country's biggest road transport operator is calling for the government to stay out of the business. It wants the government-linked transport companies to be privatised.
Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB) chairman Datuk Nadzmi Salleh said the government-linked companies were creating unfair competition in the industry.
Citing an example, Nadzmi said Rangkaian Pengangkutan Intergrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), a 100 per cent government-owned company under the Ministry of Finance, was given grants to buy new buses unlike private operators who had to raise their own finance for purchases.
"This (grant) is unfair. Furthermore, it is the taxpayers' money," he said.
Because of this, RapidKL could offer lower fares compared with those approved by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board for other operators.
KTB is currently the largest bus operator in the country with a fleet of over 1,500 buses.
Nadzmi was also calling for an immediate increase in fares for the current economy class travel for express bus operation by 54 per cent although other operators wanted a 100 per cent increase.
The transport industry has been under scrutiny since the much publicised Bukit Gantang express bus crash that killed 22 people in August last year.
The tragedy opened a can of worms, mainly about bus operators leasing out their buses to third parties as they could not manage the rising cost of operations.
Public transport fares are regulated by the government.
The industry has been calling for a revision in the government policies but nothing has been forthcoming.
Nadzmi, in calling for a revamp of the highly-regulated public transport industry, is suggesting a single authority like that of the Land Transport Authority of Singapore.
All the agencies related to the road transport industry will be under one authority.
This, he said, would result in effective formulation of policies that matched the objectives of the government, operators and commuting public.
He cited the example of taxis paying a lower toll rate while express buses had to pay the common rate.
"We should be charged the same rate as taxis since we are serving the lower income group who travel on economy class," he said.
He cited another example of diesel subsidies not being uniformly distributed currently, with KTB getting 30 per cent while other operators were given 100 per cent.
Nadzmi said the government should also reduce the current subsidised diesel rate from RM1.58 a litre to RM1 a litre to help the private sector cope with the rising cost of operations.
Operating costs had gone up substantially over the last two years.
One of the cost factors was for bus terminal rental, which had gone up by between 30 and 200 per cent since 2006, despite the fact that most of the bus terminals in the country were government-owned.
He suggested that subsidies be channelled to the lower income group, for instance stage buses (intra city buses that stop at every bus stop) and economy class travel.
He added that while fares for such travel should continue to be regulated, it should also be reviewed annually. The last fare review for the express bus industry was in 2005.
Fares for executive travel, however, should be determined by market forces, he said.
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44,615 Posts
^^u want the bangla 2 be the bus driver huh?...lol!!
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44,615 Posts
^^^^^^
well that guy complaints a lot about malaysia...nutin is good in malaysia except the foreigners....suck a jerk!!!
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44,615 Posts
^^ makin lama makin teruk huh!!! stupid xcuse!!!
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44,615 Posts
no...no minibus....rapidkl is ok but need to improve the service...dats all!!!
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44,615 Posts
Problems of public transport on agenda
KUALA LUMPUR: A cabinet committee meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the public transport sector, which is beset with complaints from users and whose jurisdiction is split between numerous departments and ministries.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the ministry had identified all the outstanding issues and would be bringing it up at the meeting.
"An overall public transport policy is on the agenda," said Ong, adding that this would be his first cabinet committee meeting as transport minister.
"I would like to focus on the effectiveness of multi-modal transportation.
"City folk travel by various means to get to their destination. They take buses, trains and the LRT. We want to ensure that they are all as seamless as possible," he said after a dialogue with RapidKL at its headquarters in Subang yesterday.
Present were RapidKL chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Mokti, RapidKL chief executive officer Suffian Baharuddin and Department of Railways director-general Anuar Kassim.
"I told RapidKL that we need better co-ordination between them and other transport operators."
Ong said he wanted to see an improvement in the quality of service, especially in punctuality.
"I understand that the punctuality of the LRT is good. In 99 per cent of cases, it is on time. But the buses have plenty of space to improve."
Ong was also asked to comment on Konsortium Transnasional Bhd chairman Datuk Nadzmi Salleh's urging of the government to privatise RapidKL as its status as a government-linked company created an unfair playing field in the industry.
Ong said: "What is more important is tackling the issue of connectivity. Whoever handles it, whether it is the private or public sector, does not matter."
KUALA LUMPUR: A cabinet committee meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss the public transport sector, which is beset with complaints from users and whose jurisdiction is split between numerous departments and ministries.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the ministry had identified all the outstanding issues and would be bringing it up at the meeting.
"An overall public transport policy is on the agenda," said Ong, adding that this would be his first cabinet committee meeting as transport minister.
"I would like to focus on the effectiveness of multi-modal transportation.
"City folk travel by various means to get to their destination. They take buses, trains and the LRT. We want to ensure that they are all as seamless as possible," he said after a dialogue with RapidKL at its headquarters in Subang yesterday.
Present were RapidKL chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Mokti, RapidKL chief executive officer Suffian Baharuddin and Department of Railways director-general Anuar Kassim.
"I told RapidKL that we need better co-ordination between them and other transport operators."
Ong said he wanted to see an improvement in the quality of service, especially in punctuality.
"I understand that the punctuality of the LRT is good. In 99 per cent of cases, it is on time. But the buses have plenty of space to improve."
Ong was also asked to comment on Konsortium Transnasional Bhd chairman Datuk Nadzmi Salleh's urging of the government to privatise RapidKL as its status as a government-linked company created an unfair playing field in the industry.
Ong said: "What is more important is tackling the issue of connectivity. Whoever handles it, whether it is the private or public sector, does not matter."
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44,615 Posts
Streets Mail: RapidKL calls for more bus lanes 2004
Chellam Vasudevan, For RapidKL
THERE is a marked improvement in the Klang Valley public transport system since RapidKL commenced operation as a key transport service provider with the most extensive bus coverage in Klang Valley.
RapidKL has increased bus service coverage by as much as 53 percent and increased the number of buses by 30 percent since its inception four years ago.
RapidKL now covers 980 housing estates compared to 638 housing estates when it commenced operations in 2005. The 53 per cent increase in housing estates does not include the increased coverage to other commercial areas in Kuala Lumpur through the "Bas Bandar" service.
Currently, the peak hour despatch of 650 buses as compared to 470 buses when RapidKL started operations in 2004, is an increase of about 30 percent.
Despite the increase in the number of buses, delays faced by commuters in Klang Valley are mainly due to worsening traffic conditions arising from the rapid growth of private vehicles entering Kuala Lumpur.
Delays are also caused by other factors beyond RapidKL's control, including road diversion and closures, haphazard parking by private vehicle owners, adverse weather conditions as well as traffic accidents.
RapidKL welcomes the initiative recently announced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall to extend and enforce bus lanes in the city to ease the movement of public transportation.
We urge other local authorities to also embark on a similar initiative. This reinforces RapidKL's view on the need for a comprehensive approach to resolve the traffic congestion in Klang Valley.
RapidKL is committed to provide a comprehensive public transport system to the residents of Klang Valley and this includes encouraging commuters to use both the rail and bus as an integrated transport network.
If they can get a bus that takes them to a nearby LRT or rail station, they should take this option as it will take them to their destination faster as the LRT service is not subject to road traffic conditions.
On the issue of the lack of discipline among bus drivers, although bus drivers are given basic customer service training, there are still cases when the behaviour of some of the drivers is not acceptable.
RapidKL will undertake an intensive customer service programmes for its drivers with the view to enhancing their competency, inculcating customer friendly values and to heighten their motivation towards a sense of pride in their jobs and the company.
We urge all customers with complaints on our drivers to furnish us with details such as date, time, bus registration and the route number. This information is critical for us to investigate and identify the driver. We will take appropriate disciplinary action accordingly.
Chellam Vasudevan, For RapidKL
THERE is a marked improvement in the Klang Valley public transport system since RapidKL commenced operation as a key transport service provider with the most extensive bus coverage in Klang Valley.
RapidKL has increased bus service coverage by as much as 53 percent and increased the number of buses by 30 percent since its inception four years ago.
RapidKL now covers 980 housing estates compared to 638 housing estates when it commenced operations in 2005. The 53 per cent increase in housing estates does not include the increased coverage to other commercial areas in Kuala Lumpur through the "Bas Bandar" service.
Currently, the peak hour despatch of 650 buses as compared to 470 buses when RapidKL started operations in 2004, is an increase of about 30 percent.
Despite the increase in the number of buses, delays faced by commuters in Klang Valley are mainly due to worsening traffic conditions arising from the rapid growth of private vehicles entering Kuala Lumpur.
Delays are also caused by other factors beyond RapidKL's control, including road diversion and closures, haphazard parking by private vehicle owners, adverse weather conditions as well as traffic accidents.
RapidKL welcomes the initiative recently announced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall to extend and enforce bus lanes in the city to ease the movement of public transportation.
We urge other local authorities to also embark on a similar initiative. This reinforces RapidKL's view on the need for a comprehensive approach to resolve the traffic congestion in Klang Valley.
RapidKL is committed to provide a comprehensive public transport system to the residents of Klang Valley and this includes encouraging commuters to use both the rail and bus as an integrated transport network.
If they can get a bus that takes them to a nearby LRT or rail station, they should take this option as it will take them to their destination faster as the LRT service is not subject to road traffic conditions.
On the issue of the lack of discipline among bus drivers, although bus drivers are given basic customer service training, there are still cases when the behaviour of some of the drivers is not acceptable.
RapidKL will undertake an intensive customer service programmes for its drivers with the view to enhancing their competency, inculcating customer friendly values and to heighten their motivation towards a sense of pride in their jobs and the company.
We urge all customers with complaints on our drivers to furnish us with details such as date, time, bus registration and the route number. This information is critical for us to investigate and identify the driver. We will take appropriate disciplinary action accordingly.
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44,615 Posts
No more subsidies for RapidKL, says Najib
by Kevin Tan
Email us your feedback at [email protected]
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will no longer provide subsidies to Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) as part of its plan to cut down subsidies, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after chairing the Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation in parliament, he said the decision takes effect immediately and there will be “some adjustments” to RapidKL’s LRT and bus fares. The “rate of adjustments” will be announced later.
“RapidKL will not impose subsidised rates and would compete on a level playing field with other bus operators,” Najib said.
RapidKL, which is 100% owned by the Ministry of Finance, operates two light rapid transit (LRT) systems — the Ampang Line, which was formerly known as STAR, and the Kelana Jaya Line which used to be called PUTRA.
According to RapidKL, the two lines carry about four million passengers each week. After taking over the Intrakota and Cityliner bus services, the company operates 165 bus routes that cater to some 192,000 passengers in the Klang Valley every day.
“This is part and parcel of our effort to streamline our policy towards subsidies but more so, we don’t want them to kill local companies,” Najib said.
He explained that the government had considered the plight of bus operators in the Klang Valley and there was a “moral principle” in the decision as bus operators were “going bankrupt” due to government’s subsidy for RapidKL.
There were a number of bus companies in KL that used to be profitable but they were currently losing money, he said.
On the effects of the removal of subsidies, Najib said: “There will be a bit of adjustment but we are saving taxpayers’ money.” He said it was “unfair” to use taxpayers’ money to subsidise RapidKL’s services.
Najib also said the government would reveal the amount of subsidies provided to the company.
“We will also study how RapidKL can complement what is being offered by local bus companies,” he added.
The Cabinet Committee has also proposed the setting up of a public transportation commission at the national level to streamline functions such as licensing and regulating public transport, which is currently under 13 agencies.
Najib said it was better to have a single authority to control, develop and regulate the country’s public transport system in an effective and orderly manner.
“This proposal needs to be examined in detail and it will be discussed by this committee again before it is forwarded to the government… Our idea is to establish a single authority that is responsible for public transportation nationwide,” he added.
by Kevin Tan
Email us your feedback at [email protected]
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will no longer provide subsidies to Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) as part of its plan to cut down subsidies, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after chairing the Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation in parliament, he said the decision takes effect immediately and there will be “some adjustments” to RapidKL’s LRT and bus fares. The “rate of adjustments” will be announced later.
“RapidKL will not impose subsidised rates and would compete on a level playing field with other bus operators,” Najib said.
RapidKL, which is 100% owned by the Ministry of Finance, operates two light rapid transit (LRT) systems — the Ampang Line, which was formerly known as STAR, and the Kelana Jaya Line which used to be called PUTRA.
According to RapidKL, the two lines carry about four million passengers each week. After taking over the Intrakota and Cityliner bus services, the company operates 165 bus routes that cater to some 192,000 passengers in the Klang Valley every day.
“This is part and parcel of our effort to streamline our policy towards subsidies but more so, we don’t want them to kill local companies,” Najib said.
He explained that the government had considered the plight of bus operators in the Klang Valley and there was a “moral principle” in the decision as bus operators were “going bankrupt” due to government’s subsidy for RapidKL.
There were a number of bus companies in KL that used to be profitable but they were currently losing money, he said.
On the effects of the removal of subsidies, Najib said: “There will be a bit of adjustment but we are saving taxpayers’ money.” He said it was “unfair” to use taxpayers’ money to subsidise RapidKL’s services.
Najib also said the government would reveal the amount of subsidies provided to the company.
“We will also study how RapidKL can complement what is being offered by local bus companies,” he added.
The Cabinet Committee has also proposed the setting up of a public transportation commission at the national level to streamline functions such as licensing and regulating public transport, which is currently under 13 agencies.
Najib said it was better to have a single authority to control, develop and regulate the country’s public transport system in an effective and orderly manner.
“This proposal needs to be examined in detail and it will be discussed by this committee again before it is forwarded to the government… Our idea is to establish a single authority that is responsible for public transportation nationwide,” he added.
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RapidKL fares likely to go up as subsidy is scrapped
By : Eileen Ng
Datuk Seri Najib Razak addressing the media after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport. With him is Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
KUALA LUMPUR: RapidKL bus fares are expected to go up as the government pulls the plug on the subsidy for the company.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave an assurance that the interest of the people, especially those in the low-income group, would not be affected.
He said the subsidies were withdrawn with immediate effect to enable RapidKL to compete on a level playing field with other private bus companies.
"This move will see RapidKL complementing the operations by other bus compa-nies. It is not fair to use tax-payers' money to subsidise RapidKL.
"There will be some adjustments (to fares) but at the end of the day, it will save taxpayers money," he said after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport.
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Those present at the meeting included Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
Najib said an announcement on the new fares would be made later as more time was needed to study the implications.
"Our principles are that if the transport system is used by the high-income group, we will liberalise the fares by setting a minimal fare, but for the low-income group, we will control (the fares) in stages."
He said the discontinuation of the subsidy is part and parcel of the government's efforts to streamline its policy towards subsidies.
"But more so, we don't want them to kill off the local companies. Many are either dying or going bankrupt."
He said the government was thinking of setting up a public transport commission which would act as a single authority for licensing, enforcement and monitoring.
"The current situation is so fragmented as it involved 13 ministries and agencies. The cabinet committe decided that it was better to have a single authority to ensure an efficient and smooth public transport system."
He said the matter would be deliberated at the next cabinet committee meeting.
By : Eileen Ng
Datuk Seri Najib Razak addressing the media after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport. With him is Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
KUALA LUMPUR: RapidKL bus fares are expected to go up as the government pulls the plug on the subsidy for the company.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak gave an assurance that the interest of the people, especially those in the low-income group, would not be affected.
He said the subsidies were withdrawn with immediate effect to enable RapidKL to compete on a level playing field with other private bus companies.
"This move will see RapidKL complementing the operations by other bus compa-nies. It is not fair to use tax-payers' money to subsidise RapidKL.
"There will be some adjustments (to fares) but at the end of the day, it will save taxpayers money," he said after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport.
Those present at the meeting included Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop and Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat.
Najib said an announcement on the new fares would be made later as more time was needed to study the implications.
"Our principles are that if the transport system is used by the high-income group, we will liberalise the fares by setting a minimal fare, but for the low-income group, we will control (the fares) in stages."
He said the discontinuation of the subsidy is part and parcel of the government's efforts to streamline its policy towards subsidies.
"But more so, we don't want them to kill off the local companies. Many are either dying or going bankrupt."
He said the government was thinking of setting up a public transport commission which would act as a single authority for licensing, enforcement and monitoring.
"The current situation is so fragmented as it involved 13 ministries and agencies. The cabinet committe decided that it was better to have a single authority to ensure an efficient and smooth public transport system."
He said the matter would be deliberated at the next cabinet committee meeting.
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RapidKL will study effects of removing subsidies
PETALING JAYA: Klang Valley’s largest public transport operator RapidKL will carry out a study as to how it will be affected when government subsidies are removed.
Its communications general manager Ebi Azly Abdullah said RapidKL would also have to discuss with several Federal Government authorities over the matter.
He was asked to comment on the government’s announcement that RapidKL would no longer enjoy subsidies from the Government, requiring them to raise their fares.
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government was removing subsidies to RapidKL because it was unfair for it to enjoy the advantage over other private public transport companies.
When asked about subsidies enjoyed by RapidKL, Ebi Azly said: “I have no comment on the matter,”
On the setting up of a Public Transport Commission to handle all matters on public transport, Ebi Azly said RapidKL would support any move towards improving the quality of public transport in the country.
Meanwhile, consumers were unhappy with the removal of subsidies to RapidKL.
Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said it was unfair for subsidies to be scrapped, resulting in an increase in fares.
Public transportation, he said, was the government’s responsibility and the reason for subsidy was to provide adequate and comfortable transportation for the public.
“Public transport is not a commercially viable enterprise and therefore should be led by government bodies,” he said, adding that not only RapidKL but all operators should enjoy subsidies.
Researchers Intan Nurlia Mohd Mohdi, 23 and Hamimah Johar 24, said any increase in fares would add to the already high cost of living in the city.
“We use the bus from Pantai Dalam to KL Sentral and then to Hospital Kuala Lumpur. We spend an average of RM8 per day.
“If they increase the fare, we are going be tight every month. We have to pay rent, buy food and there are other expenses as well,” said Intan Nurlia.
Pensioner S. Nadaraja, 70 said taxes should be used for the benefit of taxpayers.
“I do not think people will be happy with the increase because it is not fair,” he said.
In Penang, Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad announced yesterday the fares would be revised but said the increase would not burden the people much.
PETALING JAYA: Klang Valley’s largest public transport operator RapidKL will carry out a study as to how it will be affected when government subsidies are removed.
Its communications general manager Ebi Azly Abdullah said RapidKL would also have to discuss with several Federal Government authorities over the matter.
He was asked to comment on the government’s announcement that RapidKL would no longer enjoy subsidies from the Government, requiring them to raise their fares.
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Government was removing subsidies to RapidKL because it was unfair for it to enjoy the advantage over other private public transport companies.
When asked about subsidies enjoyed by RapidKL, Ebi Azly said: “I have no comment on the matter,”
On the setting up of a Public Transport Commission to handle all matters on public transport, Ebi Azly said RapidKL would support any move towards improving the quality of public transport in the country.
Meanwhile, consumers were unhappy with the removal of subsidies to RapidKL.
Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said it was unfair for subsidies to be scrapped, resulting in an increase in fares.
Public transportation, he said, was the government’s responsibility and the reason for subsidy was to provide adequate and comfortable transportation for the public.
“Public transport is not a commercially viable enterprise and therefore should be led by government bodies,” he said, adding that not only RapidKL but all operators should enjoy subsidies.
Researchers Intan Nurlia Mohd Mohdi, 23 and Hamimah Johar 24, said any increase in fares would add to the already high cost of living in the city.
“We use the bus from Pantai Dalam to KL Sentral and then to Hospital Kuala Lumpur. We spend an average of RM8 per day.
“If they increase the fare, we are going be tight every month. We have to pay rent, buy food and there are other expenses as well,” said Intan Nurlia.
Pensioner S. Nadaraja, 70 said taxes should be used for the benefit of taxpayers.
“I do not think people will be happy with the increase because it is not fair,” he said.
In Penang, Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad announced yesterday the fares would be revised but said the increase would not burden the people much.
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Fare hike must be justified, say users
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
REGULAR bus users want any possible increase in RapidKL bus fares to be justified and not pose a burden to the people who rely on the service.
An increase in the bus fare is likely in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's announcement on Wednesday that the government would be pulling the plug on the subsidy for the bus service company.
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Better service needed: Ham feels that the people’s reaction will depend on the new fares but frequency of the services needs to be improved.
Najib said it was unfair to use taxpayers’ money to subsidise RapidKL if it was killing other local bus companies.
Many users expressed concern over the quantum of the increase to be imposed while others voiced unhappiness at the inefficiency of the present bus services.
They said that if the transport system was efficient, more people would be using it and there would more business.
For researchers Intan Nurlia Mohd Mohdi, 23, and Hamimah Johar, 24, the increase will add to the already high cost of living in the city.
“We use the bus from Pantai Dalam to KL Sentral and then from there to Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
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Intan Nurlia: She will have to cut back on other expenses if the bus fares are increased.
“We spend an average of RM8 per day; if they increase the fare, our budget is going be tight every month. We have to pay the rent and buy food, and there are other expenses as well,” they said.
They said that as fresh graduates who had just started to work, the likely increase could find them cutting back on other expenses to balance their monthly budget.
Pensioner S. Nadaraja, 70, feels that taxpayers' money should be used for the benefit of taxpayers.
“The taxpayers' money should benefit the taxpayers and not otherwise. I do not think people will be happy with the increase because it is not fair.
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Nadaraja: ‘How will the lower income group cope?’
“I suppose the only solution is a minimal increase of two to three per cent, not 100%,” said Nadaraja.
He also raised the issue of how the low-income group would manage with the fare hike.
Student Gray Ham, 20, said an increase in fares could lead to people car-pooling or driving to work.
“It would still be okay if they raise the fare from FM2 to RM2.50 or even RM3.
“The inevitable result is an increase in people’s monthly expenses unless they plan to increase the fare by only five sen.
However, the crux of the issue is that people who do not have cars are forced to use the bus service even if there is a fare increase,” said Ham.
He added that RapidKL should improve its services and increase the frequency of the buses.
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
REGULAR bus users want any possible increase in RapidKL bus fares to be justified and not pose a burden to the people who rely on the service.
An increase in the bus fare is likely in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's announcement on Wednesday that the government would be pulling the plug on the subsidy for the bus service company.
Better service needed: Ham feels that the people’s reaction will depend on the new fares but frequency of the services needs to be improved.
Najib said it was unfair to use taxpayers’ money to subsidise RapidKL if it was killing other local bus companies.
Many users expressed concern over the quantum of the increase to be imposed while others voiced unhappiness at the inefficiency of the present bus services.
They said that if the transport system was efficient, more people would be using it and there would more business.
For researchers Intan Nurlia Mohd Mohdi, 23, and Hamimah Johar, 24, the increase will add to the already high cost of living in the city.
“We use the bus from Pantai Dalam to KL Sentral and then from there to Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Intan Nurlia: She will have to cut back on other expenses if the bus fares are increased.
“We spend an average of RM8 per day; if they increase the fare, our budget is going be tight every month. We have to pay the rent and buy food, and there are other expenses as well,” they said.
They said that as fresh graduates who had just started to work, the likely increase could find them cutting back on other expenses to balance their monthly budget.
Pensioner S. Nadaraja, 70, feels that taxpayers' money should be used for the benefit of taxpayers.
“The taxpayers' money should benefit the taxpayers and not otherwise. I do not think people will be happy with the increase because it is not fair.
Nadaraja: ‘How will the lower income group cope?’
“I suppose the only solution is a minimal increase of two to three per cent, not 100%,” said Nadaraja.
He also raised the issue of how the low-income group would manage with the fare hike.
Student Gray Ham, 20, said an increase in fares could lead to people car-pooling or driving to work.
“It would still be okay if they raise the fare from FM2 to RM2.50 or even RM3.
“The inevitable result is an increase in people’s monthly expenses unless they plan to increase the fare by only five sen.
However, the crux of the issue is that people who do not have cars are forced to use the bus service even if there is a fare increase,” said Ham.
He added that RapidKL should improve its services and increase the frequency of the buses.
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44,615 Posts
Bus driver called passenger 'anjing'
Ili Liyana Mokhtar
KUALA LUMPUR: All Adiviah Errakiah wanted to do was visit his ill brother in Ampang and spend a quiet day with him.
Instead, the 57-year-old found himself showered with insults when he asked the driver of the air-conditioned Rapidbus he was travelling in to stop smoking.
"After I asked him to stop smoking, the driver began to shout and swear at me in a menacing manner. He used words such as 'anjing' (dog) and a racial epithet to address me," he said.
Adiviah, who has been taking the U29 route to his sibling's home for the last 10 years, was shocked when the bus driver even suggested that he disembark from the bus if he was going to be "difficult" and "fussy".
To make matters worse, a bus inspector who came to check on the commotion ignored his complaint and told him and the bus driver to resolve the matter themselves.
"I really hope that the management can look into this problem, as they may lose loyal passengers if they do not improve their poor service," he said.
Adiviah added that as a professionally-run company, RapidKL should train its bus drivers to treat its customers with respect.
Ili Liyana Mokhtar
KUALA LUMPUR: All Adiviah Errakiah wanted to do was visit his ill brother in Ampang and spend a quiet day with him.
Instead, the 57-year-old found himself showered with insults when he asked the driver of the air-conditioned Rapidbus he was travelling in to stop smoking.
"After I asked him to stop smoking, the driver began to shout and swear at me in a menacing manner. He used words such as 'anjing' (dog) and a racial epithet to address me," he said.
Adiviah, who has been taking the U29 route to his sibling's home for the last 10 years, was shocked when the bus driver even suggested that he disembark from the bus if he was going to be "difficult" and "fussy".
To make matters worse, a bus inspector who came to check on the commotion ignored his complaint and told him and the bus driver to resolve the matter themselves.
"I really hope that the management can look into this problem, as they may lose loyal passengers if they do not improve their poor service," he said.
Adiviah added that as a professionally-run company, RapidKL should train its bus drivers to treat its customers with respect.
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44,615 Posts
Fuel relief: RapidKL, KTM won't raise fares
By : Minderjeet Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: RapidKL has pledged to maintain fares on its bus and light rail transit services.
Further good news for commuters came from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, which also said it would maintain its Komuter fares.
RapidKL and KTMB said their focus now was on improving services.
RapidKL will be getting new coaches next year, which will be more disabled friendly.
KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah said the national rail carrier will not increase fares despite the increase in fuel price.
It will instead replace its diesel engines with electric locomotives to cut costs.
Salleh said it was unfair to increase fares now.
"People are feeling the pinch due to the fuel price hike. Instead of burdening them, we are looking at ways to cut our costs."
Salleh spoke after the launch of the Rail Solutions Asia conference, which brings together top railway personnel and railway suppliers.
At present, only KTMB's inter-city Komuter locomotives, which serve the city, Seremban, Rawang and Klang, run on electricity.
Salleh said long-haul trains would be replaced with electric locomotives. These will also run faster than the 100kph limit of the present locomotives.
"It is also environment-friendly and is safer for long distance travelling."
However, he admitted it was difficult to offer low fares and cut costs at the same time, saying only India and Japan rail were making money.
"We are service providers. It can be difficult to make profits as we also have to keep our fares low.
"The only thing we can do is look at ways to cut our operating costs."
The engines will be fully replaced by 2014.
However, Salleh said, the company has proposed higher charges for goods.
By : Minderjeet Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: RapidKL has pledged to maintain fares on its bus and light rail transit services.
Further good news for commuters came from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, which also said it would maintain its Komuter fares.
RapidKL and KTMB said their focus now was on improving services.
RapidKL will be getting new coaches next year, which will be more disabled friendly.
KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah said the national rail carrier will not increase fares despite the increase in fuel price.
It will instead replace its diesel engines with electric locomotives to cut costs.
Salleh said it was unfair to increase fares now.
"People are feeling the pinch due to the fuel price hike. Instead of burdening them, we are looking at ways to cut our costs."
Salleh spoke after the launch of the Rail Solutions Asia conference, which brings together top railway personnel and railway suppliers.
At present, only KTMB's inter-city Komuter locomotives, which serve the city, Seremban, Rawang and Klang, run on electricity.
Salleh said long-haul trains would be replaced with electric locomotives. These will also run faster than the 100kph limit of the present locomotives.
"It is also environment-friendly and is safer for long distance travelling."
However, he admitted it was difficult to offer low fares and cut costs at the same time, saying only India and Japan rail were making money.
"We are service providers. It can be difficult to make profits as we also have to keep our fares low.
"The only thing we can do is look at ways to cut our operating costs."
The engines will be fully replaced by 2014.
However, Salleh said, the company has proposed higher charges for goods.
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44,615 Posts
Penumpang RapidKL naik mendadak
PETALING JAYA 8 Julai - Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn. Bhd. (RapidKL) telah menyaksikan pertambahan dalam purata jumlah penumpang bas dan Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) sejak pengumuman kenaikan harga minyak oleh kerajaan pada 5 Jun lalu.
Bagi operasi bas, purata jumlah penumpangnya meningkat sebanyak 7.5 peratus daripada 365,111 kepada 392,654 penumpang sehari manakala bagi LRT, puratanya meningkat sebanyak 3.9 peratus daripada 313,753 kepada 326,095 sehari.
Pengurus Besar Komunikasi RapidKL, Ebi Azly Abdullah berkata, berdasarkan analisis awal mendapati terdapat perubahan trend dari segi jumlah penumpang bagi perkhidmatan LRT dan bas.
"Kami akan terus memantau keadaan ini dan melaksanakan pendekatan bersesuaian untuk menampung pertambahan penumpang ini," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Katanya, bagi menampung pertambahan penumpang aliran LRT Kelana Jaya, syarikat itu mungkin memperkenalkan tren tambahan berkapasiti lebih besar pada penghujung 2009.
RapidKL juga, katanya, telah menambah liputan perkhidmatan bas sehingga sebanyak 53 peratus dan menambah jumlah bas sebanyak 30 peratus sejak penubuhannya empat tahun lalu.
"Syarikat kami kini memberi perkhidmatan di sebanyak 980 kawasan perumahan berbanding 638 semasa ia mula beroperasi pada 2005," kata Ebi Azly.
RapidKL, katanya, kini mengangkut kira-kira 4.9 juta penumpang setiap minggu 2.1 juta menggunakan sistem LRT Aliran Ampang dan Kelana Jaya dan 2.8 juta menggunakan bas. Perkhidmatan itu meliputi 49 stesen tren dan 167 laluan bas, ujarnya lagi.
"Untuk perkhidmatan LRT, RapidKL telah berjaya mengekalkan keberkesanan operasinya pada tahap tinggi. RapidKL juga mempunyai tahap perkhidmatan yang tinggi untuk kedua-dua aliran LRT kami iaitu 99.7 peratus bagi LRT Kelana Jaya dan 99.8 peratus untuk Aliran Ampang," jelasnya.
Tambah beliau, RapidKL komited untuk menyediakan sistem pengangkutan awam yang bersepadu kepada penduduk Lembah Klang dan ini termasuk menggalakkan pengguna menggunakan kedua-dua perkhidmatan iaitu bas dan LRT sebagai jaringan pengangkutan bersepadu.
"Jika mereka (pengguna) boleh mendapatkan bas ke stesen LRT berdekatan, mereka seharusnya menggunakan pilihan ini kerana ia akan membawa mereka ke destinasi dengan lebih pantas kerana perkhidmatan LRT tidak terdedah kepada keadaan aliran jalan raya," ujarnya.
PETALING JAYA 8 Julai - Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn. Bhd. (RapidKL) telah menyaksikan pertambahan dalam purata jumlah penumpang bas dan Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) sejak pengumuman kenaikan harga minyak oleh kerajaan pada 5 Jun lalu.
Bagi operasi bas, purata jumlah penumpangnya meningkat sebanyak 7.5 peratus daripada 365,111 kepada 392,654 penumpang sehari manakala bagi LRT, puratanya meningkat sebanyak 3.9 peratus daripada 313,753 kepada 326,095 sehari.
Pengurus Besar Komunikasi RapidKL, Ebi Azly Abdullah berkata, berdasarkan analisis awal mendapati terdapat perubahan trend dari segi jumlah penumpang bagi perkhidmatan LRT dan bas.
"Kami akan terus memantau keadaan ini dan melaksanakan pendekatan bersesuaian untuk menampung pertambahan penumpang ini," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.
Katanya, bagi menampung pertambahan penumpang aliran LRT Kelana Jaya, syarikat itu mungkin memperkenalkan tren tambahan berkapasiti lebih besar pada penghujung 2009.
RapidKL juga, katanya, telah menambah liputan perkhidmatan bas sehingga sebanyak 53 peratus dan menambah jumlah bas sebanyak 30 peratus sejak penubuhannya empat tahun lalu.
"Syarikat kami kini memberi perkhidmatan di sebanyak 980 kawasan perumahan berbanding 638 semasa ia mula beroperasi pada 2005," kata Ebi Azly.
RapidKL, katanya, kini mengangkut kira-kira 4.9 juta penumpang setiap minggu 2.1 juta menggunakan sistem LRT Aliran Ampang dan Kelana Jaya dan 2.8 juta menggunakan bas. Perkhidmatan itu meliputi 49 stesen tren dan 167 laluan bas, ujarnya lagi.
"Untuk perkhidmatan LRT, RapidKL telah berjaya mengekalkan keberkesanan operasinya pada tahap tinggi. RapidKL juga mempunyai tahap perkhidmatan yang tinggi untuk kedua-dua aliran LRT kami iaitu 99.7 peratus bagi LRT Kelana Jaya dan 99.8 peratus untuk Aliran Ampang," jelasnya.
Tambah beliau, RapidKL komited untuk menyediakan sistem pengangkutan awam yang bersepadu kepada penduduk Lembah Klang dan ini termasuk menggalakkan pengguna menggunakan kedua-dua perkhidmatan iaitu bas dan LRT sebagai jaringan pengangkutan bersepadu.
"Jika mereka (pengguna) boleh mendapatkan bas ke stesen LRT berdekatan, mereka seharusnya menggunakan pilihan ini kerana ia akan membawa mereka ke destinasi dengan lebih pantas kerana perkhidmatan LRT tidak terdedah kepada keadaan aliran jalan raya," ujarnya.
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44,615 Posts
More people using public transport
MORE people in the Klang Valley are leaving their vehicles and using public transport as a result of the fuel price increase last month.
According to Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), the number of commuters using its bus and LRT services had increased.
For its bus operations, the average number of commuters increased by 7.5% from 365,111 to 392,654 a day; while for LRT, the passengers increased by 3.9% from 313,753 to 326,095 a day.
RapidKL said in a press statement that based on an interim study, more passengers were recorded for the LRT lines and bus services.
The company said it would continue to monitor the situation and implement appropriate measures to cope with the increase.
To cope with the increasing number of passengers on its Kelana Jaya LRT Line, RapidKL would introduce additional trains with larger capacity from the end of 2009.
RapidKL has increased bus service coverage by as much as 53% and increased the number of buses by 30% since its inception four years ago.
The company now covers 980 housing estates compared with 638 housing estates when it started operations in 2005.
The RapidKL service is based on a network that integrates both the bus and LRT operations.
Commuters can give their feedback through the corporate website at www.rapidkl.com.my or to call the Helpline at 03-7625 6999 (8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday).
MORE people in the Klang Valley are leaving their vehicles and using public transport as a result of the fuel price increase last month.
According to Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), the number of commuters using its bus and LRT services had increased.
For its bus operations, the average number of commuters increased by 7.5% from 365,111 to 392,654 a day; while for LRT, the passengers increased by 3.9% from 313,753 to 326,095 a day.
RapidKL said in a press statement that based on an interim study, more passengers were recorded for the LRT lines and bus services.
The company said it would continue to monitor the situation and implement appropriate measures to cope with the increase.
To cope with the increasing number of passengers on its Kelana Jaya LRT Line, RapidKL would introduce additional trains with larger capacity from the end of 2009.
RapidKL has increased bus service coverage by as much as 53% and increased the number of buses by 30% since its inception four years ago.
The company now covers 980 housing estates compared with 638 housing estates when it started operations in 2005.
The RapidKL service is based on a network that integrates both the bus and LRT operations.
Commuters can give their feedback through the corporate website at www.rapidkl.com.my or to call the Helpline at 03-7625 6999 (8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday).
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44,615 Posts
Commuters complain about infrequent bus services
By DEBBIE CHAN and OH ING YEEN
IMAGINE waiting at a bus station for one-and-a-half hours and not a single bus arrives. No, it’s not the wrong station. The trunk line buses serving as a feeder between the Rapid KL local and city lines as well as the LRT are becoming more infrequent.
And, on some routes with lower passenger load, the feeder buses sometimes do not arrive at all.
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Wasted time: Commuters stare at their watches as they wait for the feeder bus.
Recently, a StarMetro team set out to find out what it is like to travel to various destinations using the LRT and buses.
Interviews were conducted with some commuters who depended on these modes of transport.
At the Section 16 bus stop in Petaling Jaya, it was observed that within the duration of one-and-a-half hours during the non-peak period, not a single trunk line bus arrived at the bus stop.
During peak hours, many commuters were seen waiting impatiently for the buses.
According to Jessica Ong, who lives in Bandar Utama, it is a real tough situation at Section 16 as during peak hours, it is really congested and the buses take forever to arrive.
“When one finally arrives, it is often packed to the brim and we have to wait for the next bus. It sometimes takes me two hours to get home,” she said.
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Crowded: The long waiting time can also lead to missed appointments.
At 10.20am, there were only a handful of people waiting for the feeder buses at the Asia Jaya LRT station.
Those waiting were observed checking their watches every minute or so, waiting patiently or sighing impatiently, chatting with friends or just idling.
After a 15-minute wait, a trunk line bus heading towards Section 14 came. It was half an hour later before the next bus arrived.
One trunk bus travelling to the Eastin Hotel and stopping at the Section 16 bus stop arrived at 10.50am but it was 40 minutes later before another came.
The waiting period between getting off the LRT rail and boarding the feeder bus adds to the long travel time.
The irregular bus services are a real inconvenience to commuters, causing them to be late for their appointments.
“I hope that they’ll be on time,” Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) student Gan Chee Seang said, when asked to comment on the feeder bus service.
Gan, who lives in Wangsa Maju, has been taking the feeder bus from there to the university campus in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, daily for nearly three years.
“Although there are more buses at the Wangsa Maju station, the bus drivers are always giving excuses like they want to go for a break or to the toilet,” he said.
Gan said he usually had to wait for 20 minutes for a bus but there were times where he had to wait up to 40 minutes.
“It only takes 45 minutes for me to reach my destination, but with the waiting time, it takes me two hours,” he said.
Fellow Utar student Chew Cheong Huat, 21, is dissatisfied with the average 20-minute wait and hopes that the bus would come more frequently, like every 10 minutes.
“On some days, my class starts at 8am so I end up having to take a taxi for fear of being late,” he said.
According to Nigel Pinto, 20, there should be a time schedule so that the passengers need not have to wait blindly.
“On a good day, I only have to wait for about 10 minutes. However, I have experienced waiting for 40 to 50 minutes. Sometimes, I end up taking a cab,” he said.
Two retirees, who only want to be identified as Yap, 70, and Chan, 80, complained that they had to wait at least half an hour for a bus during the peak hours and about an hour during the off-peak hours.
They often take the bus from the Asia Jaya LRT station to have lunch at Seksyen 17 or SS2.
Yap said RapidKL should have a spare bus in case of breakdowns.
“Once the air-conditioning broke down and it was so hot in the bus,” he said.
“I’ve also noticed that the bus did not travel to all the destinations stated on the bus sign as there were only a few passengers,” Yap said.
“Half an hour is okay for us retirees. But it’s troublesome for those rushing to work,” Chan said.
Not all, however, complained about the waiting time.
Marie Elena finds the feeder bus service convenient and doesn’t mind waiting for 15 to 20 minutes.
“The waiting time is not too bad,” she said.
The scheduled frequency of trunk line buses, including the T628 and T629, is between 20 minutes during peak hours and 40 minutes during off-peak hours.
RapidKL has attributed the bus delays in Klang Valley to worsening traffic conditions as well as other crucial factors like unscheduled road diversions and closures, illegal and haphazard parking of vehicles, adverse weather conditions and road accidents.
According to RapidKL general manager (communications) Ebi Azly Abdullah, traffic congestion patterns vary from day-to-day within the Klang Valley.
“With all these factors combined, it is virtually impossible for RapidKL to provide exact information on frequency timings,” he said.
“In the case of breakdowns, depending on availability of buses and drivers, a spare bus will be used to cover that route,” he said.
Ebi also said despite the 41% price increase in petrol, RapidKL had no immediate plan to increase its fares.
By DEBBIE CHAN and OH ING YEEN
IMAGINE waiting at a bus station for one-and-a-half hours and not a single bus arrives. No, it’s not the wrong station. The trunk line buses serving as a feeder between the Rapid KL local and city lines as well as the LRT are becoming more infrequent.
And, on some routes with lower passenger load, the feeder buses sometimes do not arrive at all.
Wasted time: Commuters stare at their watches as they wait for the feeder bus.
Recently, a StarMetro team set out to find out what it is like to travel to various destinations using the LRT and buses.
Interviews were conducted with some commuters who depended on these modes of transport.
At the Section 16 bus stop in Petaling Jaya, it was observed that within the duration of one-and-a-half hours during the non-peak period, not a single trunk line bus arrived at the bus stop.
During peak hours, many commuters were seen waiting impatiently for the buses.
According to Jessica Ong, who lives in Bandar Utama, it is a real tough situation at Section 16 as during peak hours, it is really congested and the buses take forever to arrive.
“When one finally arrives, it is often packed to the brim and we have to wait for the next bus. It sometimes takes me two hours to get home,” she said.
Crowded: The long waiting time can also lead to missed appointments.
At 10.20am, there were only a handful of people waiting for the feeder buses at the Asia Jaya LRT station.
Those waiting were observed checking their watches every minute or so, waiting patiently or sighing impatiently, chatting with friends or just idling.
After a 15-minute wait, a trunk line bus heading towards Section 14 came. It was half an hour later before the next bus arrived.
One trunk bus travelling to the Eastin Hotel and stopping at the Section 16 bus stop arrived at 10.50am but it was 40 minutes later before another came.
The waiting period between getting off the LRT rail and boarding the feeder bus adds to the long travel time.
The irregular bus services are a real inconvenience to commuters, causing them to be late for their appointments.
“I hope that they’ll be on time,” Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) student Gan Chee Seang said, when asked to comment on the feeder bus service.
Gan, who lives in Wangsa Maju, has been taking the feeder bus from there to the university campus in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, daily for nearly three years.
“Although there are more buses at the Wangsa Maju station, the bus drivers are always giving excuses like they want to go for a break or to the toilet,” he said.
Gan said he usually had to wait for 20 minutes for a bus but there were times where he had to wait up to 40 minutes.
“It only takes 45 minutes for me to reach my destination, but with the waiting time, it takes me two hours,” he said.
Fellow Utar student Chew Cheong Huat, 21, is dissatisfied with the average 20-minute wait and hopes that the bus would come more frequently, like every 10 minutes.
“On some days, my class starts at 8am so I end up having to take a taxi for fear of being late,” he said.
According to Nigel Pinto, 20, there should be a time schedule so that the passengers need not have to wait blindly.
“On a good day, I only have to wait for about 10 minutes. However, I have experienced waiting for 40 to 50 minutes. Sometimes, I end up taking a cab,” he said.
Two retirees, who only want to be identified as Yap, 70, and Chan, 80, complained that they had to wait at least half an hour for a bus during the peak hours and about an hour during the off-peak hours.
They often take the bus from the Asia Jaya LRT station to have lunch at Seksyen 17 or SS2.
Yap said RapidKL should have a spare bus in case of breakdowns.
“Once the air-conditioning broke down and it was so hot in the bus,” he said.
“I’ve also noticed that the bus did not travel to all the destinations stated on the bus sign as there were only a few passengers,” Yap said.
“Half an hour is okay for us retirees. But it’s troublesome for those rushing to work,” Chan said.
Not all, however, complained about the waiting time.
Marie Elena finds the feeder bus service convenient and doesn’t mind waiting for 15 to 20 minutes.
“The waiting time is not too bad,” she said.
The scheduled frequency of trunk line buses, including the T628 and T629, is between 20 minutes during peak hours and 40 minutes during off-peak hours.
RapidKL has attributed the bus delays in Klang Valley to worsening traffic conditions as well as other crucial factors like unscheduled road diversions and closures, illegal and haphazard parking of vehicles, adverse weather conditions and road accidents.
According to RapidKL general manager (communications) Ebi Azly Abdullah, traffic congestion patterns vary from day-to-day within the Klang Valley.
“With all these factors combined, it is virtually impossible for RapidKL to provide exact information on frequency timings,” he said.
“In the case of breakdowns, depending on availability of buses and drivers, a spare bus will be used to cover that route,” he said.
Ebi also said despite the 41% price increase in petrol, RapidKL had no immediate plan to increase its fares.
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