Rapid KL City Shuttle

RapidKL: New fares, scraps daily passes
2009/07/30 hno:hno:hno:hno:hno:


PETALING JAYA, Thurs: RapidKL has decided to scrap its daily pass system effective Sept 1, and commuters will now be charged according to the number of trips and zones travelled in a day.

RapidKL chief executive officer Suffian Baharuddin said the zone system would be implemented at all its 165 routes.

Through the new fares system, passengers using local (feeder bus) routes, will now be charged RM1 per trip, while for the main routes, the charges range from RM1 to RM3, according to the number of zones travelled.

Fare for zone one will be RM1; and RM1.90 for zone two; RM2.50 for zone three; and RM3 for zone four.

Currently, passengers on local and main routes pay RM1 and RM2 respectively for a daily pass, which allows unlimited travel within a day in the city.



Suffian said though fares for its local, main and express bus routes have been revised, the company was introducing new monthly bus passes that will offer commuters 50 per cent savings.



The fixed fare rates for RapidKL’s express bus routes (Klang to Pasar Seni, Putrajaya Sentral to KL Sentral, Kajang to Pasar Seni), will be RM3.80 per journey compared with the previous system where passengers could buy a RM5 daily pass for unlimited trips in express bus routes.

Sufffian said the company was also offering a 50 per cent discount for children in school uniform, senior citizens aged 60 and above, and for the disabled.

To ease the burden of commuters, RapidKL will introduce different types of monthly passes, such as local routes only (RM40 per month); RM100 for all routes (local, city and main); Integrated LRT and bus passes (RM150); concession passes for senior citizens, schools children and people with disability (RM50) for all routes.

Suffian said the new monthly bus passes will be sold from Aug 20 onwards.

He also said that from September, commuters will not be able to use their Touch ‘n’ Go cards to pay for fares on RapidKL buses due to upgrading works on the system. - BERNAMA

stick to the old system!!!!!! rm2 perday!!!

Commuters face a steep hike in bus fares
By BAVANI M


FROM SEPT 1, bus fares in the Klang Valley will double but RapidKL will help cushion the impact by offering monthly travel passes that will help cut travel costs by half.

RapidKL chief executive officer Suffian Baharuddin said passengers who used RapidKL’s services frequently were encouraged to get the monthly passes which offered savings of up to 50% compared with buying a ticket each time one boarded a bus.

For example, the RapidKL bus fare for Tempatan buses now is RM1. Passengers pay a flat rate and can take as many rides as they want in a day. However, when the new fares come into effect, they will have to fork out RM1 for each trip. For Bandar buses, passengers now pay a flat rate of RM2 a day.

With the new fare, passengers will also have to pay RM1 per trip.

The biggest change can be seen in the rates introduced for the Utama buses. Currently, passengers pay a flat rate of RM2 a day but with the new fares, passengers will pay different rates for different zones.


Getting around: Suffian (left) with a monthly pass card that will also allow users to use the LRT services.

So, a person living in Kajang or Klang will have to fork out RM3 to get to Kuala Lumpur.

Those using Express bus services are now paying RM3 for a one-way journey or RM5 for a daily bus pass. With the new fares, they will have to pay RM3.80 per trip.

Suffian said the fare structure based on zones was carried out based on the government’s decision to raise bus fare rates according to the new rates proposed by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), which comes under the preview of the Prime Minister’s Department.

RapidKL has introduced four monthly passes including the Monthly Travel card for Tempatan buses (RM40) and a monthly concession card (RM50) for the seniors, disabled and students in uniform that is valid for all routes on the Tempatan, Bandar and Utama Servives.



The monthly Travel Integrated Card (RM150) is valid for all Tempatan, Bandar and Utama buses and both the Kelana Jaya and Ampang LRT lines services while the Monthly Travel Card (RM100) is valid for the Tempatan, Bandar and Utama buses.

Another plus point is that the holder of the integrated pass, his spouse and four children under 15 can enjoy free rides on weekends and public holidays.

“The cards offer flexibility and peace of mind to passengers. Imagine you don’t have to queue up or fish out small change any more and, with no queue, the buses are able to move faster and this in turn would reduce waiting time, too,” Suffian said.

Suffian said about 400,000 passengers used RapidKL buses daily, but less than 4% bought the monthly pass.

“Because of the current daily pass system, our monthly bus passes have not been popular but, with the new monthly passes, we are hoping people will switch as it makes more economic sense,” he added.

In line with the change, nine Tempatan bus services will be converted to the Utama service because the route distance covers more than one zone.

The affected routes are Batu 9, Cheras, Kajang, KL Sentral, Cyberjaya, LRT Sungei Besi, Hentian Bandar Shah Alam, Section 2 Shah Alam, Kompleks Kerajaan Jalan Duta and Subang Parade.

RapidKL will be going on a roadshow to promote their monthly passes and to educate consumers on the benefits.

All buses will be carry advertisments on the passes and posters will also be printed and distributed to hightlight the new product.

The passes will go on sale by Aug 20 at selected bus terminals, LRT stations and selected outlets. On Sept 1, the Touch n Go fare system will be disabled for reconfiguration and RapidKL is unable to say when it would be back online.

Plans are also in the pipeline to integrate the service to include the monorail system.

Resounding no to impending price increase
By THO XIN YI


THE announcement that RapidKL will increase its bus fares has drawn criticism from the public.

Many commuters feel that not only will it add to their burden but also that RapidKL services are not up to par to begin with.

Erica Lim is one who will feel the pinch soon. For now, the 29-year-old pays RM2 for a daily bus pass.

When the new fare is implemented, she will have to pay RM3.80 a day, or RM84 a month, to travel to and from KL Sentral and Phileo Damansara.

She said this increase was unacceptable as the buses were not punctual.

“Many a time, I have to wait for 45 minutes before a RapidKL bus comes along. I will rather take other buses or share a cab with my colleagues so that I can reach home faster,” the animator from Kajang said.

Network scheduler Agnes Sewe also has to pay more to get from Subang Jaya to Asia Jaya for work.

“I only pay RM2 a day now. When the fare is increased to RM3.80, I will consider driving to work instead,” the 24-year-old said.

Although RapidKL is introducing the Monthly Integrated Travel Card at RM50 for students in uniform, the disabled and those above 60 years old, secondary school student Wong Shook Yuen would not be able to benefit from this promotion.

Now, she pays RM1 a day to go to school and then back home in Petaling Jaya. She will have to pay RM2 instead when the new fare is implemented.

Given that she has to go to school for only 22 days a month, her monthly travel bill will come up to RM44 – RM6 less than the cost of the RM50 monthly pass.

Her mother, Lily Foo, felt that the price increase was planned without taking the people’s welfare into consideration.

While this announcement focuses on the bus fares, frequent LRT users are not spared either.

The price of the Monthly Integrated Travel Card, which allows them to travel on all local, urban and main buses as well as Kelana Jaya and Ampang LRT, will be increased from RM135 to RM150 from Sept 1 onwards.

Operations executive Mohd Jaafar Azman has to fork out RM15 more to buy the card which he uses daily to travel back and forth between Wangsa Maju and Bandar Utama.

He has been commuting like this for nine years and he remembers when the fare was less than RM100 per month.

“The fare increased gradually over the years. I hope with this increase, the services will be upgraded – there should be more trains serving the rush hour crowd.

“I have to reach the Wangsa Maju station before 7.15am in order to catch a train. If not, I will have to wait for at least three trains before I manage to board one,” the 40-year-old said.

Another commuter, who wished to be identified as Mei, described the increase as “terrible.”

“This is the time for saving and not spending, and with this increase, I have to be even more prudent with my living expenses

“We take buses and avoid taxis because the fare is cheaper, but there are times when we are forced to flag down a taxi when RapidKL keeps us waiting for too long,” the 45-year-old said.

She felt that the Government should emulate the transportation system in Singapore to provide better facilities.

Selangor MCA Youth Chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei strongly objected to the increase as it was untimely, especially during this economic downturn.

“The fare wasn’t raised during the fuel price increase and now that the fuel price has dropped, I don’t see the reason for bringing up the fare.

“Furthermore, the bus drivers do not get a bigger paycheque with this fare increase. Even if the hike is inevitable, the increase is too steep. The government should not agree to this price increase,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah said the RapidKL management should resign as they did not understand the people. :nuts::nuts::nuts:

“These are the people who do not have their own cars and are struggling to make ends meet.

“One of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 11 gifts was to give rebates to toll users – that only benefits those who have cars and not the ordinary people who take public transport,” he said.

website updated
check out the new system/fares/routes
http://www.rapidkl.com.my/news/1-latest-news/135-newfares

http://www.rapidkl.com.my/component/busroutes/?modetemp=yes

Streets mail: Maintain RapidKL's fare charging system

2009/08/12
KR, Puchong

I AM a retiree who regularly commute by RapidKL buses. I live in Puchong and I am happy to use these buses as they serve all major areas. They are clean and well-maintained, and usually run according to schedule despite the congested roads.

However, I am perturbed to know that the bus fares will be increased from next month. What is even more disheartening is the proposed removal of the fixed fare system for whole day travel.

Even if RapidKL is compelled to increase the fixed fare rates for whole day use from RM2 to RM3 or even higher due to its increased operational costs, it should maintain the fixed fare system rather than the proposed system of charging fares per trip based on distance travelled.

RapidKL's present method of charging is unique and appropriate for city travel. Its fixed fare is one of its strengths and the "pull factor" for commuters to use its service.


I hope the authorities will not remove it. At present, RapidKL's popularity with the public is clearly demonstrated by the high number of commuters who do not mind using the service despite the buses being crowded on most trips.

If its attraction to commuters is neutralised, RapidKL will become less competitive and lose its edge as the preferred bus service among the public.

I have observed the public's behaviour at various bus stops and noticed that commuters prefer RapidKL buses over its competitors. I hope RapidKL and the Transport Ministry will go down to the streets to gauge the public reaction to the proposed fare hike.

A change in the present system would also cause other problems to the commuters. The present method of charging fares allows RapidKL to operate more efficiently all around with minimal delay at bus-stops. As a result, commuters don't have to wait too long to catch a bus.

The traditional method of charging fares based on number of trips and distance travelled will slow down the service and turnaround time of buses.

This will further infuriate the public and cause more dissatisfaction with the overall public transport system in the city.

As a concerned member of the public, I urge RapidKL to review its proposed fare changes and delay its implementation.

Streets mail: Higher bus fares will worsen traffic congestion

2009/08/12
EC, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur

I LIVE near Old Klang Road and go to work three times a week in an office in Petaling Gardens, Petaling Jaya. I need to take two buses to go to work and a RM2 daily pass comes up to RM26 a month for me.

When the fare restructuring comes into effect, I will have to pay RM98.80 per month as both my buses go through two zones each. RapidKL says the monthly pass is the answer but the monthly pass of RM100 is still higher for me than paying daily.

Going by car means that I will not have to take the circuitous routes that the buses take, which means that it will save me time. After calculating, I find that it is also less costly.

The daily pass was the best thing that has happened to commuters, and what gained RapidKL its loyal following.


Come Sept 1, the city will not only be a logistical nightmare for RapidKL, but also loyal passengers, who will be going to work in cars or taking the metro bus.

It would have been wiser and logistically simpler to just raise the price of the daily pass to RM3 for Utama and RM1.50 for Tempatan. If RapidKL implements its restructuring, they will be the eventual losers. We hope they will reconsider.

Star ads to run on RapidKL buses


PETALING JAYA: Advertisements promoting Star Group’s products such as StarJobs, The Star Online, Red FM, Galaxie magazine, etc will run on all RapidKL buses following an agreement between Star Publications (M) Bhd and Asia Media Sdn Bhd.

Asia Media operates the largest transit-TV network in Malaysia. Its exclusive network partners, which include RapidKL, Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semenanjung and Plusliner, collectively operate 3,000 of Asia Media’s transit-TVs.

In return, Star will feature Asia Media products on its various platforms which include traditional print mediums like newspaper and magazines, as well as new media platforms like mobile (SMS news alerts and mobile news), Star Online, radio and online radio.

The joint collaboration between the two media powerhouses, announced on Thursday at Studio V in 1-Utama shopping centre, is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

“Our collaborative effort will help advertisers reach the ‘unreachable’ by extending across multiple media platforms in a fragmented market,” said chief executive officer of Asia Media Sdn Bhd Datuk Ricky Wong.

While both Wong and Star executive director Ng Beng Lye pointed out the benefits to be reaped by both companies through this collaboration, they were quick to stress its benefits to the public.

“Ultimately, this is a win-win situation where even the advertisers and consumers will gain,” added Ng.

The contract was inked on July 27 and will last for one year.

RapidKL reaches out via Twitter and sms


RAPIDKL had decided to join the bandwagon by including Twitter feed and a SMS alert system to enhance its communication with commuters.

Its communication general manager, Ebi Azly Abdullah, said in a statement today, Twitter users could tweet to @MYrapidKL about disruption of services, dangerous driving, traffic jams and pilferage.

Through its SMS alert system, commuters would be notified on any major interruptions or delays in LRT and bus services and the public need to register as a member on its website which has been upgraded at www.rapidkl.com.my.

RapidKL had also set up a new helpline at 03-7885 2585 and extended its operating hours from 7am to 8pm on weekdays and from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. — Bernama

RapidKL mula jual pas bulanan “Rapidpass”


PETALING JAYA 19 Ogos — Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) mula menjual pas bulanan RapidPass dengan menawarkan 50 peratus diskaun di 11 hab dan depot bas, serta di semua stesen Sistem Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) Aliran Kelana Jaya dan Ampang.

Kesemua lima kategori pas bulanan itu boleh didapati di kaunter tiket dan informasi bas Jalan Sultan Mohamed, tujuh hab bas iaitu di Jalan Chow kit, Jalan Silang, Titiwangsa, Maluri, Warta Lama, Putrajaya Sentral, dan hab bas KL Sentral, kata Pengurus Besar Komunikasi, RapidKL Ebi Azly Abdullah dalam satu kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Manakala depot yang akan menjual RapidPass adalah Depot Pandan, Jalan Klang lama serta Jalan Chow Lin, katanya.

Lima kategori pas bulanan itu terdiri daripada RapidPass Bas Tempatan, RapidPass Bas Semua, RapidPass Integrasi Bas dan LRT serta RapidPass konsesi yang terhad untuk pelajar sekolah berpakaian seragam, warga emas 60 tahun ke atas dan Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU). - Bernama

Bus companies need to buck up to serve commuters better


THE bus services in Klang Valley are unreliable and have a poor track record.

To make the service lucrative and profitable, the operators must gain back commuters’ confidence and to do this they must put more buses on the road to guarantee that the buses will turn up punctually and at shorter intervals, say, every 10 minutes during rush hour.

The buses must run regardless of passenger load.

Bus operators in the Klang Valley must imrove their services and run on schedule and increase the frequency of trips because as it is now, commuters have to wait for 30 minutes or longer, to catch the next bus.

This forces people to find other means of transport that they can rely on, which means buying a car.

Now, you know why our roads are choked up at all hours!

If the bus problem is solved, it will bring commuters back and lessen cars on the road.

LAU BING,
Singapore.

Long queue for monthly travel pass
By BAVANI M


HUNDREDS of people waited in line at the Pasar Seni bus hub yesterday to get the RapidKL monthly travel pass (MTP) that would help cut their travel expenses by half.

Despite the rain, all LRT stations and selected bus hubs in the Klang Valley were also crowded with passengers queuing up to get the MTP.

Last month, RapidKL announced that from Sept 1, bus fares in the Klang Valley will double and the company had introduced the MTP to help cushion the blow.


Saving on travel fare: (From left) A. Shantha, 42, Hidayu Abdul Kadir, 34 and Chan Yoke Lan, 76, with their RapidKL monthly travel pass.

The decision to raise the bus fare is according to the new rates proposed by the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB), which comes under the purview of the Prime Minister’s department.

When StarMetro approached passengers for their feedback, most said that they were aware of the price increase and had come prepared.

“I bought my pass earlier as I take the buses and LRT every day. It makes sense to get a pass,’’ said K. Sunderraj, 25.

Tammy Tham, 68, was also among the crowd queuing up to register for a concession pass for senior citizens to enjoy the benefits.

The MTP (RM50) offers savings of up to 50% for the seniors, the disabled and students in uniform, and is valid for all routes on the Tempatan, Bandar and Utama Servives.


Schedule disrupted: Passengers caught unawares of the new rates queuing at the front of the bus to pay.
Lee Kum Chang, 66, who also obtained the concession pass, however, complained that the RM50 pass was still expensive for seniors like him.

“I am an ex-serviceman and I think the Government could do better by offering better incentives for the elderly, he said.

There were also some who were caught unawares and had not come prepared with the right amount of change. This resulted in a queue outside the bus and delayed the buses schedules.

Secretary K. Malar did not have enough small change and had to get the driver to change her RM10.

When asked if she would be getting a pass, she said: “Yes. Most definitely. It is much easier and faster.”

A senior citizen who did not wish to be identified was annoyed that the bus was taking a long time to move but he was quickly pacified by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (Prasarana) group managing director Datuk Idrose Mohamed who was conducting a spot check at the Pasar Seni hub.

Idrose apologised for the delay but also explained that the bus could not move unless everyone had boarded it. He also advised passengers to get an MTP as it was not only more economical but more convenient and reduced waiting time.

RapidKL general manager for corporate & strategy Shahril Mokhtar said that since the passes went on sale on Aug 20, 5,000 were sold and the number increasing rapidly as more people were becoming aware of the benefits of using the pass instead of cash.

“At Pasar Seni alone, since this morning, we sold RM11,000 worth of passes within two hours,’’ Shahril said, adding that there was an increase in sale compared to the monthly average of 1,500 previously.

The MTP offered savings of up to 50% compared with buying a ticket each time one boarded a bus.

About 400,000 passengers use RapidKL buses daily but less than 4% bought the monthly pass and the dismal number is largely attributed to the daily pass system that was introduced in 2006.

However, with the current new rates, which is based on the zoning system, passengers will have to fork out RM1 per trip for both Tempatan and Bandar buses. The more obvious change can be seen in the rates introduced for the Utama buses.

Previously, passengers pay a flat rate of RM2 a day but with the new fares, passengers will pay different rates for different zones.

So, a person living in Kajang or Klang will have to fork out RM3 to get to Kuala Lumpur.

Those using express bus services are now paying RM3 for a one-way journey or RM5 for a daily bus pass. With the new fares, they will have to pay RM3.80 per trip.

Passengers are however encouraged to switch to MTP. The rates are as listed in the table on the right.

Take note that the holder of the integrated pass, his spouse and four children under 15 can enjoy free rides on weekends and public holidays.

In line with the change, nine Tempatan bus services will be converted to the Utama service because the route distance covers more than one zone.

The affected routes are Batu 9, Cheras, Kajang, KL Sentral, Cyberjaya, LRT Sungei Besi, Hentian Bandar Shah Alam, Section 2 Shah Alam, Kompleks Kerajaan Jalan Duta and Subang Parade.

For details, call RapidKL helpline at 03-7885 2585.

Task force formed to improve bus service


RapidKL has formed an internal task force led by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (Prasarana) group managing director Datuk Idrose Mohamed to upgrade and improve its bus service in the Klang Valley.

The 26-member task force includes people who take the buses daily and have studied the workings and weaknesses of the bus system in the city.


Big plans: Idrose wants to upgrade and improve the bus service in the Klang Valley.

Idrose, who is determined to improve the bus service in the Klang Valley, has rode on the buses incognito many times to get an insight into the weaknesses of the bus system.

“As a pilot project, we have started with Cheras. We need to get back to basics by improving service and increasing frequency,’’ Idrose told StarMetro.

“For example, before we had six buses plying the route and after discovering that the buses and LRT trians that ply the area have a 70% ridership, we have added two more buses there,’’ he said.

Idrose said the task force was not just to improve the level of service but also finetune the workings of the bus depots in Chan Sow Lin and Maluri and also study the bus and LRT routes.

He said that during the survey, they had discovered that the welfare of drivers also needed to be looked into.

“We realised that there is no proper facility for the drivers to rest or for other needs.

“In some areas, drivers have to stop at petrol stations and at coffee shops and at times passengers are left waiting in the bus,’’ he said.

Idrose said that to resolve this problem, RapidKL will build 45 kiosks in the Klang Valley which will serve as a rest area for drivers.

The kiosks will be available at all hubs and selected areas will have a rest room, toilet and prayer room,’’ Idrose said, adding that about 15 kiosks would be built by the end of the year.

Pengguna RapidKL digalak beli pas bulanan
KUALA LUMPUR 1 Sept. - Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) menggalakkan penumpang yang kerap menggunakan perkhidmatan bas itu supaya membeli pas bulanan, kata Pengurus Besar Komunikasinya, Ebi Azly Abdullah.

Beliau berkata, langkah itu bagi membolehkan penumpang menjimatkan kos berbanding dengan membeli tiket setiap kali perjalanan ekoran penguatkuasaan struktur tambang baru yang berkuat kuasa hari ini.

Ini kerana tambang baru itu memperlihatkan kenaikan yang ketara kerana ia kini berdasarkan pas harian, katanya.

"Pas bulanan itu yang berharga RM40 bagi perkhidmatan bas tempatan, RM100 bagi perkhidmatan semua bas dan RM150 bagi perkhidmatan integrasi bas dan LRT menawarkan penjimatan sehingga 50 peratus," katanya kepada Bernama di sini, hari ini.

Mengenai kekeliruan di kalangan penumpang pada hari pertama struktur tambang baru itu dilaksanakan, menurutnya, pihaknya memang menjangkakan perkara itu akan berlaku.

Beliau berkata, bagi menanganinya RapidKL telah mengambil langkah awal dengan menjual tiket secara manual di hab-hab bas utama untuk melancarkan perjalanan terutamanya ketika waktu puncak.

"Kekeliruan berlaku kerana penumpang masih kurang pasti harga tambang baru yang perlu dibayar untuk ke destinasi pilihan mereka walaupun struktur harga baru itu telah dihebahkan menerusi media," katanya.

Ebi Azly berkata, RapidKL melaksanakan tambang baru mengikut zon lanjutan daripada keputusan kerajaan untuk menukar tambang bas mengikut kadar yang ditetapkan oleh Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP).

Katanya, bagi menyelaraskan keputusan kerajaan, RapidKL perlu mengubah struktur tambangnya kepada caj tambang setiap kali penumpang menaiki bas, mengikut zon yang ditentukan LPKP.

Kadar tambang baru itu membabitkan perubahan konsep pas harian kepada tambang bagi setiap perjalanan mengikut zon iaitu RM1 merentasi satu zon, merentasi dua zon (RM1.90), merentasi tiga zon (RM2.50) dan merentasi empat zon (RM3) manakala tambang bas ekspres RM3.80 sekali perjalanan dan bas tempatan dan bas bandar RM1 sekali perjalanan.

Beliau berkata, sebarang pertanyaan mengenai struktur tambang baru itu boleh dibuat menerusi talian 03-7625 6999. - BERNAMA

RapidKL sets up task force to curb A(H1N1)
By BAVANI M


RAPIDKL or Rangkaian Pengang–kutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd has formed a special task force to curb the spread of influenza A (H1N1).

The taske force, led by RapidKL security, safety and health adviser, Ahmad Samsuri Ahmad Mukri, comprises 13 heads of department who will monitor the situation and take preventive action.

“An independent consultant has also been hired to disinfect and sterilise all RapidKL buses and LRT trains every day.

“All 13 depots have established a team of sanitation experts who will clean the buses and trains,” Ahmad Samsuri said.

“We are also spraying anti-bacterial solution in the train during breaks at the Kelana Jaya, Gombak, Ampang and Sri Petaling stations,” he said,

He added that the stations were also cleaned using special chemicals to ensure it was safe.

Sanitisers are also provided at all LRT stations, bus depots and RapidKL offices.

“Employee temperatures are taken every morning and if the reading is high, they will be sent for treatment,” Ahmad Samsuri said.

He added that frontliners such as ticketing staff, security officers and bus drivers were provided with protective masks.

Ahmad Samsuri said there were an average of 700,000 commuters using RapidKL services each day, which showed that people were still using public transport to get around.

“It is important that we do everything to keep the public safe,” he said.

Yesterday, RapidKL employees were seen urging commuters to use the sanitising gels placed at the stations.

Most stations reported that the bottles had to be replaced every hour as the response was good.

Four more booths to sell RapidKL passes
By BAVANI M


APART from the RapidKL bus hubs and LRT stations in the Klang Valley, RapidKL has set up

an additional four booths to sell its passes from now until Sept 7, from 10am to 7pm.

The areas are PKNS Shah Alam, Bus Stand Jaya Jusco Maluri, Jalan Tun Sambanthan Monorail station and Tesco Puchong.

RapidKL corporate communi-cations manager Ebi Azly Abdullah said since Sept 1, when the new bus rates came into effect, there has been a rush to get the RapidKL passes.

It’s been selling like hot cakes. In fact, in some areas we ran out of passes,’’ he said.

Ebi Azly said that so far over 15,000 passes have been sold, with a majority being the passes for the Tempatan, Bandar and Utama buses (RM100) followed by the Integrated pass (RM150).

Passes are sold at 11 hubs and bus depots as well as at all 48 LRT stations of the Kelana Jaya Line and the Ampang Line. (See list below)

For more information, call the helpline at 03-7885 2585.

— Jalan Sultan Mohamed Bus Information and Ticket Counter

— Jalan Chow Kit Bus Hub

— Jalan Silang Bus Hub

— Titiwangsa Bus Hub

— Maluri Bus Hub

— Warta Lama Bus Hub

— Putrajaya Sentral Bus Hub

— KL Sentral Bus Hub

— Pandan Bus Depot

— Jalan Klang Lama Bus Depot

— Chan Sow Lin Bus Depot

Rapidpass mula dijual hari ini

PETALING JAYA 23 Sept. – Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL) akan mula menjual pas bulanan Rapidpass di pelbagai lokasi di seluruh Lembah Klang mulai esok.

Pas bulanan berkenaan yang menawarkan diskaun perjalanan sehingga 50 peratus sebulan, boleh diperoleh di semua 48 stesen transit aliran ringan (LRT).

Pengguna juga boleh mendapatkan Rapidpass di 11 lokasi lain.

Pas berkenaan boleh dibeli di Kaunter Tiket dan Informasi Bas, Jalan Sultan Mohamed serta Hab Bas Jalan Chow Kit, Jalan Silang, Titiwangsa, Maluri, Warta Lama, Putrajaya Sentral, KL Sentral.

Selain itu, ia juga dijual di Depot Pandan, Jalan Klang Lama dan Chan Sow Lin.

Warga emas juga boleh mendapatkan pas berkenaan dengan mendaftar di Kaunter Tiket dan Informasi Bas Jalan Sultan Mohamed.

Pas berkenaan juga disediakan di stesen LRT Kelana Jaya, Gombak, Masjid Jamek, Ampang dan Bandar Tasik Selatan mulai hari ini.

Pemohon pas warga emas perlu membawa satu keping gambar berukuran MyKad/passport dan satu salinan fotostat MyKad.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, pengguna boleh menghubungi talian Helpline 03-7885 2585 dari 7 pagi hingga 8.30 malam (Isnin–Jumaat), 8.30 pagi hingga 5.30 petang (Sabtu–Ahad) atau layari www.rapidkl.com.my atau memberi maklum balas melalui e-mel ke alam [email protected].

Live news for bus commuters


COMMUTERS on RapidKL buses can look forward to more interesting ads and programmes from Asia Media’s Transit-TV next year.

According to Asia Media CEO Datuk Ricky Wong the company would be the first to deploy digital video broadcasting (DVB) for Transit-TV.

To date, Asia Media had invested RM12mil in setting up and maintaining the infrastructure for its flagship channel — Asia Media TV and plans to invest a further RM50mil over the next three years to upgrade their existing Transit-TV network system to a live narrow casting digital Transit-TV system.

Wong said after the upgrade commuters would be able to view live programs such as daily news, latest government policies, announcements, interactive TV, sports and weather forecasts.


More to come: Najib (left) and Wong during the bus tour

“At present, we have over 3000 LCD TVs on some 1500 stage and express buses providing info-tainment programmes and advertising in Klang Valley, Johor, Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia,” said Wong during the announcement of the live digital broadcast initiative recently.

He said the digital Transit-TV would be able to serve not only bus but ferry, trains and taxis too with a larger screen display providing extensive coverage with proven commercial applications.

During the briefing recently, Wong together with Asia Media chairman Tan Sri Mohd Najib Abdul Aziz took media representatives on a short bus tour to view its current Transit-TV screens in RapidKL buses.

Last month an agreement was signed between Star Publications (M) Bhd and Asia Media Sdn Bhd advertisements promoting Star Group’s products such as StarJobs, The Star Online, Red FM, Galaxie magazine, etc will run on all RapidKL buses.

In return, Star will feature Asia Media products on its various platforms which include newspaper and magazines, as well as new media platforms like mobile, Star Online, radio and online radio

Public transport still unpopular


KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Minister wants more Klang Valley folk to use public transport but recognises that services first need to be improved.

Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said he was willing to hear the concerns of consumers as well as players in the public transportation sector.


Pleasant surprise: A bus commuter greeting Ong during his visit to the Taman Maluri bus station in Cheras yesterday. — Pic courtesy of Nanyang

Currently, only 16% of the Klang Valley’s population uses public transport and the Government would like to increase this figure to 25%.

Ong said that among the main complaints were irregular service in certain areas, lack of service during non-peak hours, vehicle breakdown and poor maintenance of bus terminals and bus stops.

He added that he would also look at having unpopular residential roads being properly serviced by public transport.

Ong, the Urban Public Transport panel head, said it was on his agenda to meet with not only public bus operators but also representatives of other modes of public transport such as the Light Rail Transit and KTM Komuter.

On bus companies complaining of unfair pricing compared to fares set by the Govern-ment for RapidKL buses, Ong said he would gather feedback.

“We are here not just to promote only one company’s interest but also to look into national concerns.

“If we want to allow competition, then it should be on a level playing field but not at the expense of the public,” he said during a fact-finding walkabout at the Taman Maluri bus station in Cheras yesterday.

Ong also pointed out that his ministry was not the only one with the power and jurisdiction over public transport.

The Transport Ministry is not the licensing agency for bus services nor is it responsible for the recent fare hike.

On whether the ministry might provide subsidies to encourage the use of public transport, he said: “Let us not be obsessed with the subsidy psyche — the main thing now is improving the areas of concern.”

He said the ministry was also looking into the possibility of introducing inter-company passes but it was not easy to convince all the companies.

RapidKL bus drivers display ID tags


http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/11/2/central/4956822&sec=central