RAPID KL ON-DEMAND TO EXPAND WITH 320 NEW VANS BY JUNE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- The Rapid KL On-Demand service will be expanded with the addition of 320 new vans by June, at a cost of RM55 million, to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity and encourage greater public transport use.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the expansion will significantly boost coverage, increasing the number of service zones from 37 to 101 nationwide.

“Currently, more than 4,000 passengers use this service daily. With the addition of up to 320 vans, we aim to increase this to 36,000 users per day, particularly benefiting those in high-rise residential areas such as apartments and flats, where stops will be conveniently located nearby. In the long run, we hope this will become a norm,” he told a press conference here today.

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Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Prasarana president and group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah.

Loke said passengers can book their rides via a mobile application, with a promotional fare of RM1 per trip. My50 monthly travel pass holders will enjoy free rides under the current arrangement.

The vans are also equipped with designated seats for persons with disabilities (PWD) and feature an open payment system that allows users to pay using debit and credit cards.

Operating within a five-kilometre radius, the service ensures passengers can reach Light Rail Transit (LRT) or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations within 10 minutes.

“The biggest challenge for Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system has always been first-mile and last-mile connectivity. This is the first time the government is taking serious measures to address this issue,” Loke said.

He added that many commuters previously relied on e-hailing services, which typically cost between RM5 and RM7 per trip. In contrast, the RM1 fare for Rapid KL On-Demand offers a much more affordable alternative, making public transport a more attractive choice.

-- BERNAMA