RM79.2 Mln Allocation For SBST Programme In Kuching - Loke

KUCHING, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- A total of 56 buses, through the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) Programme, will be deployed throughout Kuching city, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the programme would involve an allocation of RM79.2 million over five years.

He added that the public transport system, which is set to begin next year, will also be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and cater to the needs of persons with disabilities (PwD).

"The bus operator will be paid by us (the government) and we are budgeting about RM16 million a year, so we know how much we need to pay them monthly per the agreement.

"We will check their GPS to see if they are operating, how far the buses have travelled and for how long,” he told a media conference after signing the SBST agreement here today.

He said they will also discuss with the Sarawak Transport Ministry to ensure the SBST routes do not overlap with those used by the hydrogen-powered buses mobilised by the state government.

Loke also assured that the SBST bus fares would be reasonable and would not burden the passengers.

"The decision on the bus fares will be made by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB)… we will discuss with them and surely won't burden the users as we have already paid its cost,” he said. 

Earlier, Loke witnessed the signing of the SBST agreement between the Federal Government and Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak-based company.

The SBST programme bus service will ply 10 routes, namely to Bau, Serian, Bako, Kampung Benuk, Batu Kawa, King Centre, Muara Tebas, Taman Malihah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Matang Jaya and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Matang 2.

The SBST programme, introduced in every state capital nationwide, is aimed at increasing accessibility to as well as trust and efficiency in public transport services.

-- BERNAMA