90 Pct Of Bus Tickets To East Coast Sold Ahead Of Aidilfitri

SEREMBAN, March 3 ( Bernama) -- Nearly 90 per cent of express bus tickets from Seremban to major East Coast destinations have been sold over the past two days ahead of Aidilfitri.

A check by Bernama at Terminal One here found that tickets to Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu, Kelantan, are sold out, while seats for northern-bound routes are still widely available.

Terminal One facilities manager Zulkifli Rahman said although some tickets have sold out, several bus companies have yet to open festive travel bookings.

“There are about 65 active express bus companies operating here. Usually, a week before Hari Raya, more tickets will be released. Some companies may also provide additional buses for East Coast routes, depending on demand,” he told Bernama.

He added that ticket prices have increased by 10 per cent this year for all destinations, as set by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

Fares for the Seremban-Kota Bharu route range from RM60 to RM97, while tickets to Kuala Terengganu cost between RM70 and RM78, depending on the bus selected.

“Despite the increase, demand among those returning home remains high. The public is encouraged to purchase tickets online via the Terminal One Seremban website without using middlemen,” he said.

Zulkifli said ticket purchases have been handled centrally online or through self-service kiosks at the terminal for the past two years

Meanwhile, college student Norfatin Ismail, 28, said she bought her ticket home to Kelantan in mid-February online.

“I bought my bus ticket to Pengkalan Chepa early because I was afraid it would sell out. It was also cheaper to buy online, RM65 for the trip there and RM55 for the return,” she said

-- BERNAMA