The Federal Government has provided the Johor state government with RM150 million over three years to implement the myBAS services through the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme (SBST), which aims to improve bus service quality in the state.
The programme, which will begin in March and transport 6.4 million passengers each year, is projected to be the preferred means of public transportation, according to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“The SBST programme has been well-received in Kangar, Ipoh, Seremban and Kuala Terengganu as it is a more dynamic system in strengthening public land transportation, especially bus services.
“For the first time, we are introducing electric vehicles (EV) for Johor Bahru and we have eight EV buses to cater for the city centre area,” he told reporters after the launch of the Johor Bahru SBST programme by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad.
Wee said the 128 myBAS operations in the state would involve 19 routes in five corridors, namely Kota Tinggi, Masai, Kulai, Gelang Patah and Pontian, and this would benefit residents living along the 1,052-kilometre stretch.
Meanwhile, Hasni in his speech said although large-scale transportation projects including the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking and Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) projects have been planned in the state, the stage bus system must be enhanced further.
“Johor Bahru, 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.
Hasni also said the state administration hoped the Transport Ministry would resume talks with Singapore on the High Speed Rail (HSR) project as soon as possible, adding that a good public transportation system between Johor and Singapore was essential.
“This will help overcome the problem of congestion at the Johor Causeway as well as facilitate travel between the two countries,” he added.
