SHAH ALAM, Nov 20 — Transport company Badan Bas Coach Sdn Bhd aims to expand its network of demand-responsive transit (DRT) vans following an increase in public demand for the service.
Its chief executive officer Ibrahim Aiman Mohd Nadzmi expressed appreciation to the state government for its announcement of allocating funds to enhance DRT next year.
“This is great news for DRT van operators — I thank the state government. Honestly, we do need government subsidies to further develop this operation.
“InsyaAllah, we plan to expand the DRT van routes, especially in areas near Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations, which often see high demand,” he said when contacted.
Ibrahim said there are currently 32 DRT van services available in areas like Taman Megah, Bandar Utama, Ara Damansara, Sunway, and USJ.
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Taman Seri Muda resident and DRT user Ngai Yong Kong, 70. — Picture by MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Meanwhile, DRT user Ngai Yong Kong, 70, shared his experience of using both DRT vans and the Smart Selangor Buses.
“Both are good and comfortable. Sometimes I take the bus when going to the hospital or the bank, while I use the DRT van for errands around Subang Jaya.
“I hope this initiative continues, and that more DRT vans are added, especially in Taman Seri Muda, Shah Alam,” he said.
Retiree Lokman Abd Rashid, 59, praised the state government's initiative for being attentive to the welfare of the people in all aspects, including efforts to provide van services.
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Retiree and DRT user Lokman Abd Rashid, 59. — Picture by MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“The fare for the DRT van is not expensive — only RM2, compared to services like Grab and Maxim, which are relatively higher. I hope more vans are added, particularly in areas with limited bus coverage,” he said.
“Caj yang dikenakan untuk van DRT ini pun tidaklah tinggi, hanya RM2 sahaja jika dibandingkan seperti perkhidmatan Grab, Maxim agak tinggi. Harap dapat tambah lebih banyak van ini terutama di capaian kurang bas,” katanya.
When presenting the 2025 Selangor Budget on Friday (November 15), Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced a RM20 million allocation to optimise the Smart Selangor Bus and DRT van services next year.
He said the initiative includes adding new zones and implementing a broader concept with service operators.
The DRT service was launched on October 20, 2023, during the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention held in conjunction with the Selangor International Business Summit.
Previously, state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han said that DRT vans have recorded nearly 54,000 users as of June this year, replacing Smart Selangor Buses in narrow and densely populated routes.
The focus is on areas near major public transportation including rail and bus stations to complement first- and last-mile connectivity.
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Commuters boarding the demand-responsive transit van operated by Mobi at the SS15 LRT station in Subang Jaya on June 21, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
