KUALA LUMPUR – Nearly 80% of online ticket system providers, or online travel agents (OTA) have already established links in stages with the Southern Integrated Bus Terminal (TBS) in Tasik Selatan.
This digital system will assist passengers in sourcing tickets for long-distance travel with ease, and without having to print the ticket to board the bus at TBS.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said several major OTAs including GoHub, BusOnlineTicket and RedBus would allow passengers who purchased tickets from them to board the bus with ease.
“For passengers who purchase tickets from these three OTA, they will receive a QR code and with the GoPass logo attached, they (passengers) can then proceed to the terminal’s checkout hall to board the bus,” he said, at the press conference after visiting the bus terminal operation in conjunction with Aidilfitri travel period this evening.
Also present at the transport terminal today was Bandar Tun Razak MP Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
TBS has introduced a paperless concept by implementing the use of QR codes as a substitute for tickets, thereby reducing congestion at counters and the main entrance of the departure hall during the festive season.
However, Loke said, for passengers who purchased tickets from the three OTA before the date of implementation of the integration on April 17, the provider will send a QR code notification through the registered email used by the passenger when they made the purchase.
He expressed hope that two more OTA namely EasyBook.com and Etransact would participate in system integration anytime in the near future.
“This is aligned with the Transport Ministry aspirations towards digital service in public transport,” he said.
Previously, Loke said, users had complained of the hassle of long queues to get a printout of a bus ticket even after an online purchase.
He said that the previous method had caused delays and inconveniences to users.
“There were incidents where passengers missed boarding the bus due to the long queue to get the printout at the counter provided.”
Loke recalled during the pandemic era when the online ticket trend began in this country.
“For example, the sale of express bus tickets online or through the App Market application increased by 401,000 users or 65%, compared to direct purchases at the terminal which was 216,000 users (35%).
“Therefore, the implementation of this integration must bring more benefits to the people in line with the digitalisation agenda for the transport sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Loke said, the Land Public Transport Agency approved 256 additional buses in conjunction with Aidilfitri season via temporary licenses.
“Compared to the previous year, a total of 98 additional buses were approved by the Land and Public Transport Agency. This is showing an increase of demand, thus reflecting a sign of the country’s recovery – especially in the public transport sector after the country moved to an endemic transition phase,” he added. – The Vibes, April 19, 2023
