PRICE OF BAS.MY TRAVEL PASS REDUCED TO RM30 - LOKE

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The price of the BAS.MY 30-day Unlimited Travel pass for stage buses nationwide has been reduced from RM50 to just RM30 per month to allow the public to enjoy unlimited rides for as low as RM1 per day.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the price reduction, effective immediately, not only helps to reduce the people's cost of living, but can also help them save between RM200 and RM300 each month.

He said the Johor Bahru Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme has recorded the highest number of passengers in the country since its implementation in 2022, with 940,000 average ridership per month for this year.

"The implementation of BAS.MY in Johor Bahru covers 21 routes, which is three more than the 18 routes previously. For this purpose, the Federal Government will invest RM134.94 million for two years, or RM67.47 million per year, to ensure the SBST services in Johor Bahru continue to benefit the people.

"With continued government support, the Johor Bahru BAS.MY operators are urged to step up efforts to achieve a monthly average of one million passengers.

"This initiative is only applicable to Malaysians, while non-citizens will still have to pay the full fare. The pass price reduction will also be expanded to all states that have BAS.MY services so that more people can enjoy the same benefits,” he told a media conference after the launch of the Johor Bahru BAS.MY Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme at Sutera Mall here today.

He also said that the additional service, BAS.MY Medik, which involves a special van to transport dialysis patients, disabled people and wheelchair users, would be implemented in Johor Bahru by the end of this year.

He added that this on-demand service is part of the conditions imposed on bus service operators to ensure the mobility facilities are also enjoyed by those in need.

"Two vans will be provided and they have been modified for the use of patients, including the disabled and wheelchair users. These vans will pick up the patients from their house and take them to the dialysis centre, hospital or clinic,” he said.

He added that bookings for the service can be made via mobile applications or through phone calls.

Meanwhile, Anthony, who will be conducting a site visit to the RTS project site today to monitor the progress and ensure construction work is proceeding according to schedule, said that the fares for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link had yet to be fixed and would be finalised together with the operator soon.

"This visit is important for us to better understand the status of the implementation and take early action if necessary,” he said.

-- BERNAMA