JOHOR BARU – The federal government has allocated RM150 million over three years for the Johor government to implement the myBAS services through the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme (SBST), aimed at improving bus service quality in the state.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said the programme, which will start in March and is expected to transport 6.4 million passengers a year, is set to be the preferred mode of public transportation.
“The SBST programme has been well-received in Kangar, Ipoh, Seremban, and Kuala Terengganu as it is a more dynamic system for strengthening public land transportation, especially bus services.
“For the first time, we are introducing electric vehicles (EV) to Johor Baru, and we have eight EV buses to cater to the city centre,” he told reporters after the the launch of the Johor Bahru SBST programme by Johor Caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad here yesterday.
Wee said the 128 myBAS buses operating in the state would involve 19 routes in five corridors, namely Kota Tinggi, Masai, Kulai, Gelang Patah, and Pontian, and would benefit residents living along the 1,052km stretch.
Meanwhile, Hasni in his speech said that although large-scale transportation projects including the Gemas-Johor Baru Electrified Double-Tracking and Rapid Transit System Link projects have been planned in the state, the stage bus system must be enhanced further.
“Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri, and Pasir Gudang will be linked by a good, modern, and widely covered (transportation) system with timely service, and the SBST buses will involve mini, regular, and electric buses,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hasni said the state government hoped the Transport Ministry would immediately resume talks with Singapore on the high-speed rail project, adding that a good public transportation system was needed between Johor and Singapore.
“This will help overcome the problem of congestion at the Johor Causeway as well as facilitate travel between the two countries,” he added. – Bernama, February 21, 2022
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