PETALING JAYA: Some 300 new vans will be procured to enhance Rapid Bus’ Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) services, says Prasarana Malaysia Berhad.

Its president and group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said this will improve first and last mile connectivity in the Klang Valley, allowing users to reach rail stations and their final destinations conveniently.

“The decision to increase the number of Rapid DRT vans came following positive feedback from users after the service was first launched last year.

“The first batch of vans will begin arriving in December. All 300 are expected to be delivered by July next year,” he told a press conference at the Taman Bahagia LRT station here on Wednesday (Aug 14).

He added that some 126,656 consumers have used this service as of July 31 of this year and added that there are presently nine corridors in the Klang Valley serviced by the Rapid DRT and one route in Penang, with 20 vans currently in service.

Mohd Azharuddin then said that the number of routes will be gradually increased once the 300 vans arrive in stages.

“We will also be expanding to cover areas without rail or bus services which will provide residents there an added service,” he said, citing Kuala Kubu Baharu in Selangor as one of the locations to receive this service by next year..

He added that each ride will only cost RM1 with the unlimited travel pass priced at RM50 monthly also covering this service.

Payments can be made via Touch N’ Go cards with efforts to procure an open payment system allowing the use of debit or credit cards to make payments also underway.

“This is our introduction price with no decision to increase it yet. For now, we will focus on providing the best services to the people and ensure their satisfaction,” Mohd Azharuddin said.

On the punctuality of the service, Rapid Bus chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij Muhammad Yasin said the Rapid DRT functioned akin to an ehailing vehicle.

“You will know when the vehicle comes (upon booking) and also the estimated time. For example, you can already book the van before reaching your stop, so you can travel immediately upon arriving.

“We also conducted studies which found the average waiting time being less than five minutes,” he said.

He explained that the vans would pick up users directly from their booking destinations, with the radius of the service being about 2km.

Separately, Mohd Azharuddin expressed their commitment to improving rail services alongside expanding the Rapid DRT service.

Aside from designated bus stops, the Rapid DRT service will also include virtual bus stops which will be included in stages,

Each van has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, excluding the driver, and is equipped with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and a tracking system to enhance security.

Operations begin at 6am and end at 1130pm daily.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/14/rapid-bus-drt-to-be-enhanced-with-300-new-vans-says-prasarana