Lee: Good feedback from Miri City Smart Bus trial run

MIRI (Oct 2): State Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said he is pleased with the feedback from passengers regarding the Miri City Smart Bus during a trial run yesterday.

He said he boarded the bus from Emart Tudan to the city centre around 6am as he wanted to join the passengers in experiencing the journey.

“I’ve taken public transportation multiple times, including in Kuching and Sibu, since my appointment as Transport Minister.

“On my previous bus rides, I received valuable feedback from passengers and drivers, especially last year when many passengers expressed concerns about the ageing Miri buses, citing issues on comfort, reliability and adherence to schedules.

“So I pledged to work with bus companies to introduce new modern buses,” he said.

He said the trial run for the smart buses is to observe commuters’ response, adding they were visibly pleased with the new buses and the facilities provided.

The Miri City Smart Bus Service will be launched on Oct 9 by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Additionally, Lee urged students from nearby schools to take advantage of this service, saying the first buses are scheduled to depart between 5.30am and 6am.

“This smart bus initiative also aims to encourage more students to use public transport, promoting a more sustainable and efficient commuting culture in Miri,” he said.

There will be a total of 14 smart buses providing free rides to the public. The buses will operate daily from 5.30am to 7.30pm.

The buses will service eight main areas in the city, namely Permyjaya, Taman Tunku, Senadin, Tudan, Miri Hospital, Sungai Rait and Bakam, RTM Miri, and Kuala Baram.

Four buses will cater for the needs of Permyjaya residents; two buses each for the Taman Tunku, Senadin and Tudan routes; and one bus each for the Miri Hospital, Sungai Rait, Bakam and RTM Miri routes.