Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad through its subsidary Rapid Bus Sdn bhd today created another major milestone in their operation where it now operates free buses in Petaling Jaya.
This is twenty months after the purple buses of Go KL made their presence in the capital city.
Driven by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and supported by Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, the introduction of PJ CityBus free bus service, which connects to RapidKL LRT and KTM Komuter networks, is aimed at encouraging city dwellers to leave their private cars at home and shift to public transport in their daily traveling.
The free shuttle service was officially launched by RapidKL Chief Operating Officer, Encik Mohd Azam Omar, who represented Rapid Bus Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ir. Zohari Sulaiman.
Commenting on the PJ CityBus service, Zohari said: “The free bus service project recorded significant success for the city of Kuala Lumpur; making strong impact in easing traffic congestion especially during peak hours. We foresee strong positive impact as well for Petaling Jaya.
“We have provided our bus captains with the necessary training and they have all went through the familiarisation exercise for the route and the stops. We are ready to go and to serve the people of Petaling Jaya,” added Zohari, who is Group Director Bus Division for Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad – the umbrella company for Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd.
For Petaling Jaya, the free bus service starts with a single line of 28km and an expected total time of 90 minutes to complete a full loop from PJS3 bus hub and passing through PJ Old Town, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Section 14, Jalan Barat, Jalan Utara, Asia Jaya and Taman Jaya LRT stations as well as Taman Dato’ Harun Komuter station.
Operating daily from 6am, the bus service will be stopping at residential areas, business hubs and public amenities such as hospitals and schools; with a frequency of 15 minutes.
Using a total of ten 12-meter buses, commuters will have pleasant traveling experience as the buses are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and fitted with LED monitors for on-board entertainment. They are designed to be disabled-friendly with wheelchair ramps and priority seating for the disabled.
“We see this programme as timely in view of the increasing problem of traffic congestion in cities and major towns in the country.
We need to continuously find ways to promote usage of public transport services to ensure mobility, which in turn promotes productivity. Image the massive size of our losses in terms of precious time, energy and resources because of us being stuck in traffic jams. Support for usage of public transport will also be in line with all green initiatives and promotion of better and healthier lifestyle in all cities.
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