Mini bus back in KL after 21 years

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- After a lapse of almost 21 years, the mini bus is making a comeback in the federal capital next month. 

Rapid KL Sdn Bhd will be running a trial mini bus service from the Bukit Indah hub to Ampang Point, via Jalan Rasmi from Sept 1 to  Nov 29.  

Rapid Bus chief executive officer, Muhammad Yazurin Sallij said the mini buses, which could carry 31 passengers per bus, would run on a frequency of 15 minutes (peak hours) and 25 minutes (non-peak hours) from 5.30 am to 11.40 pm.

This is part of Rapid Bus’ initiative to provide better services and frequency for our commuters,” he said in a statement today.

The trial, he said, would also enable Rapid Bus to test the suitability of using mini buses in neighbourhoods with narrow roads and to give better insight into the commuters’ journey experience via the feedback received. 

Mini buses were a familiar scene in this capital city from the 1970’s until 1990’s. Always packed like sardines, they were considered the cheapest means of public transport available then.

Introduced in 1975, the service came to an end in 1998 as the authorities consolidated the public transportation services in the federal capital.    

“If there is encouraging demand during the trial service, we will consider retaining the service for this route and possibly extend the service to other potential routes,” Muhammad Yazurin said.

Commuters are welcome to give feedback during the trial service by contacting the Rapid KL helpline at 03-7885 2585 or email to suggest@rapidkl.com.my.

-- BERNAMA