SHAH ALAM, May 21 — The use of the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) service application (app) and limited coverage areas remain among the main challenges in implementing an end-to-end public transport approach.
A Media Selangor survey found that public transport users have yet to fully utilise the app.
Niddashima Baharudin, 33, said she was unaware of the app despite frequently using public transport.
“I’ve never used it before,” she said.
A commuter who wished to be known only as Stepphenie, 35, also said she has never used the application.
“Honestly, I’ve never used the application because I don’t use the DRT vans,” she said.
DRT services in the Klang Valley were previously offered through the Mobi, Trek Rides and Kummute applications. However, beginning last November, all DRT bookings managed by Rapid KL were integrated into the Rapid on-Demand application.
In Selangor, however, bookings can still be made through the Mobi and Trek Ride DRT applications.
Selangor investment EXCO Ng Sze Han said the state government’s approach involves collaboration with Rapid KL to ensure initiatives by both the state and federal governments provide more comprehensive first and last-mile connectivity throughout the state.
The survey also found that although some users were aware of DRT services, they still did not use them due to coverage limitations.
One public transport user who wished to be known only as Chen, 23, said she was aware of the DRT application, but her residential area in Cheras was outside the service coverage area.
“I know about it and I’ve seen it before. DRT services are not available in many places, so I still have to use the regular Rapid bus service. I don’t think Rapid on-Demand really covers the area near my home,” she said.
She added that the situation meant she still relied on existing bus services for her daily commute.
Meanwhile, SK Morgan, 27, said he had used the DRT application before, but hoped improvements would be made in terms of service coverage.
“Yes, I’ve used it before. So far, everything is okay. Actually, coverage is the main issue. If the coverage area can be expanded, it would be much better,” he said.
For Adib Haikal Rufizlan, 18, who lives in Rawang, using the application has helped him track DRT journeys more efficiently.
“For me, because I live in Rawang, it’s sufficient as there are many stops around Rawang itself.
“I think the advantage of the application is that it is very punctual and efficient,” he said.
DRT is a public transport initiative introduced by the state government and currently covers 87 operational zones throughout the state with a fleet of 237 vans.
Beginning this June, a RM30 monthly subsidy will also be provided to DRT users through the NINE digital wallet.
