No electric stage bus for now to maintain cost, says Loke

IPOH: Under the BAS.MY stage bus service at present, no electric vehicles (EVs) will be used, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said this is due to concerns over the cost involved.

Citing an example of the BAS.MY Ipoh programme launched today, Loke said the funding received covers the purchase of 51 new buses.

“If we were to use electric buses, the operational and purchase costs would be significantly higher.

“For now, we are still using the Euro5 diesel buses which is environment-friendly.

“Electric buses may be introduced in the future,” he told reporters after the launching ceremony at the town hall building here.

The BAS.MY Ipoh is under the Stage Bus Service Transportation (SBST) programme, which began in 2016.

It has now been extended until 2029 with various improvements including changes to the bus types, additional routes, an open payment system, concession cards and monthly cards.

The government has allocated RM13.17mil annually for the BAS.MY service here.

Loke said additionally, the bus service has been revitalised with new branding and the use of 100% new buses.

He said this is a rebranded and improved stage bus service that is new, efficient and modern, specifically for the community in Perak.

“This service is currently being launched in every state, particularly in each state capital.

“For the service in Ipoh, we have expanded the coverage area to include Kuala Kangsar and Kampar, in addition to surrounding areas of Ipoh," he said.

“This is a significant improvement with 51 new buses. We have appointed Perak Transit as the operator, a local company that is well acquainted with the situation in Perak, especially in Ipoh.

“They have been operating the service previously. We are confident they can provide better service under the new contract,” he added.

Loke also said various enhancements have been made with four types of concession cards available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, school and higher education institutions students and working adults.

“For senior citizens, the disabled and students, they travel for free on the bus. As for working adults who are citizens, they can obtain unlimited travel passes for RM50 per month,” he said, adding that this will provide significant savings on transportation costs.

Loke urged working individuals in Ipoh to take full advantage of the service.

He said foreigners are not eligible for the unlimited travel pass, subsidised by the government.

"They will have to pay the regular ticket fare, based on distance and standard fare rates."

On additional public transportation for Hari Raya, Loke said ETS will add more trips and that all bus companies are encouraged to apply for temporary additional permits.

“The government will approve requests for extra services or trips as needed.

“KTM will also increase its trips during the period.”