The public bus service in Kuching is expected to improve with the introduction of 56 new busses under the BAS.MY branding in the first quarter of 2025.
These busses are part of the Malaysian’s governments SStage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme which will see the federal government spend RM79.2 million in 5 years for Kuching alone. About RM16 million will be used to pay for the SBST programme in Kuching yearly.
The value and figures for the up-coming service was confirmed by Malaysia Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, says a report carried out by TVS.
Kuching Stage Bus Routes & Operator
In addition to that, the bus routes will avoid routes already covered by Sarawak Metro’s Hydrogen busses.
Instead, BAS.MY will cover routes to Bau, Serian, Bako, Kampung Benuk, Batu Kawa, King Centre, Muara Tebas, Taman Malihah, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Matang Jaya dan Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Matang 2.
News Straits Times reported that Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd had been picked to provide the service under Kuching’s Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme.
The bus company is a household name in Sarawak with over 27 years in express bus services across Borneo, and operates the BusAsia fleet.
Kuching bus service facilities
The BAS.MY busses would be disable friendly, and would also also include Global Positioning System (GPS), which with an app, will allow users to track its location and route.
This is done with a real-time tracking system which aims to reduce bus waiting time.
In addition to that, it will also be equipped with multiple payment options like cash, card and ewallet.
The NST report further added that the SBST programme would also consider future integration between different modes of transport in Kuching, which includes the up-doming Kuching Urban Transformation System (KUTS) Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART).
According to The Edge’s report on earlier stage bus launches in West Malaysia, the stage busses will be pink in colour as the colour makes the busses looks cheerful and therefore could attracts more people to use the public transport.
Kuching bus ticket price
The Kuching Stage Bus Service however will not be free.
Anthony Loke was quoted by TVS as saying that there will be a minimal fee imposed to bus users with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) asked to determine ticket prices for the bus service.
Currently, the Sarawak Metro Hydrogen bus and Kuching Electric Bus are free to use.
Stage busses were discontinued in Kuching from 2009 after it was noticed that there was lower take up for seats in these busses.
