RM1 bus fare programme limited to 40km route starting Jan 1, 2024

Lee (standing) photographed with bus passengers on Nov 3, 2023.

KUCHING, Dec 26: The operation of the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme in Sarawak will be limited for a route of not more than 40km beginning Jan 1, 2024.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the move was decided so that the programme, which will be carried out in collaboration with Stage Bus Companies until 2025, would be cost effective and achieve its goal and objective.

“On December 2023, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) invited all 11 bus companies operating in Kuching, Sibu, Sarikei, Miri and Bintulu to inform them of the new subsidy model for the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme that was approved and agreed by the government.

“The details of the stage bus routes and schedule were laid out to the bus companies for their confirmation and this new programme will commence on January 1, 2024,” he said in a statement today.

Nevertheless, he assured that the bus rate will be maintained at RM1 per trip per person.

“The Sarawak government through MOTS will continuously work towards periodical review to improve and expanding stage bus services in Sarawak. It is the government’s hope that the initiative will continue to encourage more people to use the public transport,” he added.

Lee also mentioned that the programme has benefited the people, especially the B40 group since its implementation in May 2020.

“The ridership numbers have shown an impressive increment of 75 per cent from 2021 to 2023 where the average ridership has greatly increased from 209,055 per month in 2021 to 364,725 per month in 2023,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily