RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme gains momentum

THE RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme has garnered strong public support, witnessing a notable increase in ridership from approximately 200,000 per month in its 2020 inception to an impressive average of 350,000 riders per month in 2023.

Minister for Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin noted the positive response, particularly from the B40 group, stressing the programme’s impact on daily commutes.

He said one of the programme’s noteworthy outcomes is a 15 per cent surge in the number of stage buses operating in Sarawak, rising from 107 buses in 2020 to 124 buses in 2023.

“With more buses on the road, commuters can expect shorter waiting times and more frequencies, making public transport a more reliable, convenient and attractive option,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today (Nov 27).

He added that the ministry is also currently reviewing the RM1 bus fare subsidy due to rising operating costs.

“Therefore, this programme will be evaluated and a more effective model will be introduced for the rakyat.”

Regarding the Free School Bus Programme introduced in July 2020, Lee reported that 6,334 students from the B40 group in 56 schools across Kuching (23), Sibu (6), and Miri (27) divisions participated in the initiative.

The recent introduction of the digitalised electronic card ‘My Yayasan System’ in Kuching and Miri has facilitated Yayasan Sarawak in accurately tracking the number of students benefitting from the B40 group in the programme.