Bus transport in Malaysia

Buses play a major role in the public transportation system of Malaysia. Many public and private companies operate various types of buses throughout the various states of Malaysia.

Regulation

Today, bus service provision for public transport in Malaysia is regulated by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

Types in use

Kuala Lumpur Mini-Bus Service with pink livery used on Hail and ride service, was discontinued from 1 July 1998.

Rapid KL double decker bus and electric buses in Pasar Seni bus hub.

In Malaysia, the most common types of buses used are single-decker buses, double-decker buses, and mini buses. Single-decker buses, also known as city buses, are designed to operate within urban areas and are mostly used for short to medium-length journeys. Double-decker buses, on the other hand, are mainly used for longer journeys, such as intercity travel, and offer greater capacity with their upper decks. Midi buses, which are smaller than full-sized buses but larger than mini buses, are also commonly used in Malaysia. ^[1] They are ideal for routes with lower passenger demand and narrow roads. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in eco-friendly public transportation, and Malaysia has been introducing electric buses and hybrid buses as well. As of 2021, the Malaysian government plans to launch a pilot program to introduce hydrogen fuel cell buses in Kuching, Sarawak. ^[2] These buses produce zero-emission and are expected to improve air quality in urban areas.

Services

Aside from normal urban and inter-urban services, bus transport in Malaysia also has a number of niche uses:

• Express services
• Shuttle bus services, including airport bus (KLIA), university shuttles (UM, UPM and UKM), rail replacement bus service for Kelana Jaya Line and currently Ampang Line
• Employee bus services, which mostly painted in blue colour
• School bus services, which mostly painted in yellow colour
• Hail and Ride services
• Demand responsive transport (DRT) services such as Kumpool, Mobi and TrekRides van pooling service
• Long-distance coach services
• Free public transport such as Go KL City Bus (Malaysian only)

Bus rapid transit systems

BYD battery-powered electric bus operated in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-capacity, high-frequency bus-based public transportation system that has gained popularity in many countries as a cost-effective alternative to traditional light rail systems. BRT systems typically have dedicated lanes, independent stations and high-capacity buses that provide a reliable and efficient service to commuters.

In Malaysia, BRT has become an alternative to light rail proposals due to cost considerations. Currently, only one BRT system in Malaysia, which is the BRT Sunway Line, which serves as a feeder service to the existing rail network in Klang Valley. Sunway BRT services the southeastern suburbs of Petaling Jaya, Selangor and is the world's first all-electric system. ^{[3] [4]}

Other cities in Malaysia that have plan to implemented BRT systems include Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The BRT system in Johor Bahru, also known as the Iskandar Malaysia BRT, is part of a larger public transportation network that also includes the RTS Link. It will consist of trunk, direct, and feeder bus rapid transit corridors. ^[5] The BRT Kota Kinabalu and BRT Kuching were planned to provide a reliable and efficient service to commuters in the city centre in both cities. ^{[6] [7]}

Private uses

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus at Gurney Drive in George Town, Penang

Hop-On Hop-Off bus at Ipoh

Private buses are commonly used in Malaysia for various purposes such as charter services, school transportation and company employee transportation. For example, charter bus Service is offered by Rapid Penang that provides reliable and affordable transportation options for schools, companies or anyone. The service charges are based on the duration of the service or mileage, ranging from RM 600 to RM 1600. ^[8] Private buses are commonly used for holiday travel as well, with many companies offering tour packages that include transportation by private bus.

Private buses used for holiday travel in Malaysia are typically equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and often have on-board entertainment systems. They are used for a variety of tours, including city tours, nature tours, and cultural tours. For example, Hop-On Hop-Off concept open top bus is available in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. ^{[9] [10]} Private buses can be rented for exclusive use by tour groups, providing flexibility and convenience to the group.

Operating companies

Bus services in Malaysia are primarily operated by private companies, with a few community-based or not-for-profit entities and local authority-affiliated companies also in operation.

Stage bus

Hup Soon bus in Perak, funded under ISBSF.

UM Shuttle Bus once operated by the university management, currently operated by Kiffah

The campus bus in UPM is managed by its Student Affairs Division

The largest stage bus operator in Malaysia is the government-owned company Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, which operates a number of stage bus services under the subsidiary of Rapid Bus in several regions such as the Klang Valley, Greater Penang and Kuantan. Other major stage bus operators in Malaysia include Causeway Link (mainly in Johor Bahru, Melaka and Klang Valley) and PerakTransit. The federal government also has established the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) to help cover the daily operating costs of other stage bus operators, especially in rural areas, who have incurred losses due to unprofitable routes. This initiative was created to ensure that small bus companies do not terminate their services and continue to operate in rural areas. ^[11]

States	Service areas	Stage bus operators	Bus terminal
Perlis	Perlis	BAS.MY Kangar (MARA Liner) [12] [13] [14]
Kedah	Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)	BAS.MY Kangar (MARA Liner), [12] [13] [14] UUM	university shuttle bus
	Alor Setar, Padang Terap	Jalan Langgar, HBR, MARA Liner [15]	Shahab Perdana
	Sungai Petani	Tanjung Mewah, MARA Liner
	Intercity routes	MARA Liner
		Rapid Penang
Penang	Penang	Rapid Penang [16]	Weld Quay, KOMTAR, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Penang Sentral, The Summit, Dato Kailan
	Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)	USM (Unic Leisure) [17]	university shuttle bus
	Bukit Mertajam	Lean Hock	The Summit
Perak	Ipoh, Batu Gajah, Seri Iskandar	BAS.MY Ipoh (PerakTransit) [12] [18]	Medan Kidd
	Kuala Kangsar	PerakTransit, Wai Thong, Red Omnibus	Kuala Kangsar
	Lenggong, Gerik	PerakTransit [18]
	Manjung, Beruas
	Batu Gajah
	Teluk Intan, Kampung Gajah		Teluk Intan
	Kampar, Tapah	Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit)	Kampar
	Sungai Siput	Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit), Lintang Jalong Omnibus	Sungai Siput
	Taiping	Red Omnibus, Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit)	Taiping, Kamunting [19]
		Blue Omnibus [20]	Terminal Taiping
	Pantai Remis, Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Simpang, Terong, Changkat Jering, Kuala Sepetang, Matang	Blue Omnibus [20]	Terminal Taiping, Seri Manjung Bus Station, Lumut Bus Station
	Parit Buntar	Rapid Penang, Red Omnibus [21]
	Sungkai, Bidor	Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit)
	Bagan Datuk	MARA Liner
	Kamunting, Bagan Serai, Selama, Sungai Siputeh, Batu Kurau, Padang Rengas, Simpang Ampat Semanggol	Red Omnibus [21]
	Jalong, Lasah	Lintang Jalong Omnibus [22]
Kelantan	Kota Bharu, Tumat, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Machang, Kuala Krai, Gua Musang	Mutiara Rentas Desa [23]	Kota Bahru (Stage Bus Terminal)
Terengganu	Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Hulu Terengganu	BAS.MY Kuala Terengganu (MARA Liner) [12] [13]
Pahang	Kuantan, Pekan	Rapid Kuantan [24]	Kuantan Sentral
	Pekan	Sanwa
	Raub	Central Pahang, Pahang Lin Siong, Sanwa
	Lipis, Jerantut	Pahang Lin Siong
	Bentong	Sanwa, Sri Marong
	Temerloh, Maran	Green Transit Liner
Selangor	12 cities and municipalities	Smart Selangor (Rapid KL, MARA Liner, Wawasan Sutera or Causeway Link)	Klang Sentral, Banting, Rawang
	Klang Valley	Rapid KL (including MRT and LRT Feeder bus)	Bandar Utama, Wira Damai, Sri Nilam (Bandar Baru Ampang), Terminal Kajang
	Rawang, Hulu Selangor	MARA Liner	Rawang, Bukit Sentosa, Kuala Kubu Bharu
	Kuala Selangor, Bestari Jaya	Selangor Bus (Causeway Link)	Kuala Selangor
	Puchong, Port Klang	Handal Ceria (Causeway Link) [25]	Port Klang
	Klang, Banting, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam	Wawasan Sutera	Klang, Banting
	Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	UPM [26]	university shuttle bus
	Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	UKM (Kiffah) [27]	university shuttle bus
	Sungai Besar	PerakTransit [18]
Federal Territories	Kuala Lumpur (Transport in Greater Kuala Lumpur)	Rapid KL [28]	Pasar Seni, Titiwangsa, Maluri, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
		DBKL (Go KL City Bus) [29]
	Universiti Malaya (UM)	UM (Kiffah) [30]	university shuttle bus
	Putrajaya	Nadi Putra (Rapid KL) [31]	Putrajaya Sentral, Kompleks E
		KR Travel and Tours	Putrajaya Sentral
Negeri Sembilan	Seremban, Port Dickson, Bahau, Tampin, Nilai, KLIA, Kuala Klawang	BAS.MY Seremban (Gopi Travel Tours, KR Travel and Tours, Southern Omnibus, United) [12]	Terminal 1, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Bahau, Tampin, Nilai, KLIA, Kuala Klawang
	Rembau, Lubok China, Tampin, Gemas	Rentas Negeri Sembilan (MARA Liner) [32] [33]	Rembau, Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas
	Seremban, Nilai, Jempol	Bas Percuma Negeri Sembilan (MARA Liner) [33]	Terminal 1, Nilai, Jempol
	Tampin, Gemas	Southern Omnibus [34]	Tampin, Gemencheh, Gemas
	Tampin, Bahau	SG Liner Holidays (Batang Bus)	Tampin, Gemencheh, Bahau, Kuala Pilah, Bahau
Melaka	Bandaraya Melaka, Alor Gajah, Masjid Tanah, Batang Melaka, Tanjung Kling, Pulau Sebang (Tampin), Jasin	BAS.MY Melaka (Handal Indah, MARA Liner) [12] [35] [13]	Melaka Sentral, Alor Gajah, Masjid Tanah, Tampin
	Alor Gajah, Masjid Tanah, Lubok China, Jasin, Tangkak	MARA Liner [36]	Alor Gajah, Masjid Tanah, Jasin, Tangkak
	Bandaraya Melaka, Jasin, Tangkak	Mayangsari Express [37]	Melaka Sentral, Jasin, Tangkak, Muar (Maharani)
Johor	16 cities and municipalities (Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pasir Gudang, Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Muar, Pontian, Segamat, Simpang Renggam, Tangkak, Yong Peng, Pengerang and Labis)	Bas Muafakat Johor [38]
	Gemas, Segamat, Ayer Hitam	Yow Hoe [39]	Gemas, Segamat, Labis, Chaah, Yong Peng, Ayer Hitam
	Muar	North West Johore	Maharani, Bentayan, Tangkak, Segamat
	Muar	Mayangsari Express	Maharani, Bentayan, Batu Pahat, Labis, Melaka Sentral
	Batu Pahat, Benut	Coastal Omnibus	Batu Pahat, Benut
	Benut, Pontian, Kukup	Kembara City	Benut, Pontian, Kukup
	Batu Pahat, Ayer Hitam, Kluang	Johore Motor Bus [40]	Batu Pahat, Ayer Hitam, Kluang
	Batu Pahat, Ayer Hitam	Causeway Link (Handal Indah)	Batu Pahat, Ayer Hitam
	Kulai, Ayer Hitam, Batu Pahat, Yong Peng	Green Transit Liner [41]	Kulai, Ayer Hitam, Batu Pahat, Yong Peng
	Iskandar Malaysia (Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi, Pasir Gudang, Kulai, Iskandar Puteri and Pontian)	myBAS Johor Bahru (Handal Indah, Transit Link (Johor Bahru), Maju, S&S International) [42]	JB Sentral, Larkin Sentral, Gelang Patah, Taman Universiti, Kulai, Ulu Tiram, Kota Tinggi, Pontian, Pasir Gudang, Masai
		Causeway Link (Handal Indah) [43]	JB Sentral, Larkin Sentral, Perling Mall, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA), Johor Premium Outlets, Senai Airport, Gelang Patah, Pontian, Johor Bahru CIQ (Sultan Iskandar Building), Sultan Abu Bakar Complex
		City Bus (Transit Link (Johor Bahru)) [44]	Larkin Sentral, Kulai, Ayer Hitam
	Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)	UTM Fleet [45]	university shuttle bus
	Desaru, Kota Tinggi, Pasir Gudang, Pengerang	MARA Liner [46]	Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Pasir Gudang, Sungai Rengit

Express bus

Express bus

Express bus services are one of the most convenient ways to travel across Malaysia, where there are over a hundred bus companies. These bus companies offer different routes, schedules, fares and booking procedures. Among these bus companies, several popular bus operators are preferred by both locals and tourists alike.

Transnasional, established in 2007, offers several routes throughout Malaysia, with a fleet of nearly 1,500 buses. The company offers coaches ranging from standard to business and executive class. Mayang Sari Express was founded in 1993 and now has a fleet of over a hundred buses. They offer trips from Johor to Alor Setar and Johor to Pulau Pinang, among other routes. The company provides luxury coaches at competitive prices. KKKL Express began services in 1983.

These popular bus companies in Malaysia offer a range of services that cater to the needs of different passengers. They offer convenient and hassle-free booking, with several online booking options available. The coaches in their fleet are comfortable and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that passengers enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey. ^{[47] [48]}

Manufacturers

Bus manufacturing in Malaysia is dominated by foreign companies with few domestic manufacturers. However, there have been some local players in the market, including DRB-HICOM Bhd, which manufactures buses through its subsidiary, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

Foreign manufacturers such as Scania, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are among the major players in Malaysia's bus manufacturing industry. Scania has been manufacturing buses in Malaysia since the 1970s and has a significant market share in the country. Volvo, through its Malaysian subsidiary, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, also manufactures buses locally.

There has been a push towards electric buses in Malaysia, with several companies, including Scania and Volvo, introducing electric bus models in the country.

Subsidies

In Malaysia, bus subsidies are an important part of the government's efforts to promote public transportation and reduce traffic congestion. One notable initiative is the My50 monthly bus pass, which allows unlimited travel on Rapid KL, MRT and BRT services for only RM50 per month. It was introduced by the Federal Government under the Penjana Economic Recovery Plan in June 2020 as the My30 unlimited travel pass until December 31, 2021. This has been a popular program in the Klang Valley and similar initiatives have been implemented in other states, such as Penang with the Mutiara Pass. ^[49] Cross-strait bus service (which is known as CAT Bridge) also available to provide bus services between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, and operated at free during working days. ^[50]

In addition to the unlimited pass program, there have been other subsidies and incentives aimed at encouraging the use of buses. Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) was established by the government in 2015. In these states, SBST aims to improve existing bus services by providing better routes, schedules and vehicles. The initiative also includes the introduction of cashless payment systems and the integration of bus services with other modes of public transportation. This program is active in Kangar, Seremban, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Johor Bahru. ^[51]

Smart Selangor bus service, which is a state-funded bus service funded by the Selangor state government. The service was launched in 2018 as part of the state government's efforts to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the region. The service is operated by private bus operators under contract with the state government and covers 12 cities and municipalities in Selangor, including Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Subang Jaya. The Smart Selangor bus service features a number of modern amenities and technologies aimed at improving the comfort and convenience of passengers. All buses are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and GPS tracking systems, which allow passengers to track the location of their bus in real-time through a mobile app. In addition, the buses are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with CCTV cameras for enhanced security. ^[52]

To encourage the use of public transportation, the Smart Selangor bus service offers affordable fares and various ticketing options, including cashless payment methods using CePAT apps for non-Malaysians, while Malaysians are excluded from paying the fares. ^[53] The service also offers a variety of route options that connect to other modes of public transportation, such as rail and bus interchanges and also public amenities including government hospitals, schools and commercial area.

See also

• Transport in Malaysia

References

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External links

• Bus Service page at Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) website