Latest news with #KuJamil
The Star
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Star
On-demand transit service set to grow in Penang
Passengers boarding the on-demand van in Bayan Baru. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star SEVEN vans have been deployed for Rapid Bus' Rapid On-Demand (ROD) service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas, Penang. Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the ROD service was launched in Bayan Lepas on April 27, followed by Bayan Baru on May 31, bringing the total number of service zones in Penang to 13. 'We've deployed four vans in Bayan Lepas and three in Bayan Baru and plan to add more vehicles to these zones moving forward,' he said during a promotional ride in Bayan Baru. Ku Jamil said initial response to the ROD initiative in Penang had been encouraging, showing potential for further development. Sim (front) and Ku Jamil in a Rapid On-Demand van at Bayan Baru. He added that 200 passengers on average daily had used the ROD service in Bayan Baru and Bayan Lepas since its launch. He saw great potential in the Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru areas, especially with the emergence of new developments such as Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the expansion of Penang International Airport. 'We believe the ROD service will likely lead to an increase in the number of passengers using Rapid Penang. 'Given the growth potential, we plan to deploy additional vans in both areas to meet future demand. 'We hope the stakeholders involved in the ongoing developments can help promote this service to the public, so more passengers will be encouraged to try out the ROD service,' he said. The ROD service, first introduced in Farlim in Aug 1 last year, he said, was currently operating with a fleet of 50 vans. Between January and June this year, the service recorded an average daily ridership of 2,520 passengers. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and well-suited for the area's growing needs. He said the ROD service could encourage more people to make it their primary mode of transport. 'This service offers flexibility and accessibility, especially in areas not fully covered by regular bus routes. 'It can help reduce reliance on private vehicles and ease traffic congestion in the long run.' Sim said Penang would soon see two major infrastructure projects – the airport expansion and construction of Mutiara LRT – both of which were expected to significantly disrupt traffic flow. He said the introduction of the ROD service was a proactive move to address these challenges. 'I believe this service is coming in at the right time to offer practical solutions. 'And I strongly urge drivers, workers and residents in the area to be part of the solution, by using and supporting this service,' he added.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Rapid Bus to launch 7 new routes to KLIA
KUALA LUMPUR: Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) will be opening seven new zones to benefit users of the KTM Komuter and KLIA Transit services in the areas of Kajang, Bangi, and Salak Tinggi. Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said that these new routes would begin on Wednesday. "This new zone initiative is the first of its kind to enhance connectivity for KTM Komuter and KLIA Transit users, particularly those travelling from Kajang, Bangi, and Salak Tinggi, before continuing their journeys to further destinations," he said. "This expansion of the Rapid KL On-Demand service, launching on Wednesday, will offer greater convenience to public transport users, extending beyond the current bus and train networks operated by Rapid KL. "It is part of our initiative to provide passengers with a more seamless and efficient journey planning experience," he said in a statement today. The new zones will include routes covering KTM Kajang - Jalan Reko, KTM UKM - UKM, Bandar Tasik Kesuma - Bandar Rinching, KTM Bangi - Bukit Mahkota, MRT 16 Sierra - Taman D'Alpinia, LRT Putra Heights - Rimbayu/Bandar Saujana Putra, and the Salak Tinggi KLIA Transit Station - Kota Warisan. Ku Jamil said that since the introduction of the Rapid KL On-Demand service in January 2024, a total of 34 zones had been established across the Klang Valley. He added that the number of zones would continue to increase, positioning public transport as the preferred choice for Malaysians. As of April 17, the average daily passenger count for the service had reached 7,442.
Barnama
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
Rapid Penang On-Demand Service Expanded To Three New Zones Starting April 26
GEORGE TOWN, April 24 (Bernama) -- Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, the operator of Rapid Penang bus services, will expand its Rapid Penang On-Demand network with three new zones starting April 26. In a statement today, Rapid Bus said these new zones will encompass the George Town city centre as well as the densely populated areas of Jelutong and Bayan Lepas. 'This service will connect passengers from areas with limited access to existing bus routes through a first-mile and last-mile solution, either by linking to current Rapid Penang bus services or directly to the passengers' destinations. 'The introduction of these new zones is expected to encourage more people to opt for public transport over private vehicles,' the statement said. Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said 14 vans will be deployed for operations in the new zones, with an additional 21 vans to be introduced in phases starting from June 2025 to support the next phase of the service. As part of service improvements, Ku Jamil said Rapid Bus will consolidate On-Demand operations in the Paya Terubong and Farlim zones starting in May, which is expected to enhance connectivity between the On-Demand service and existing Rapid Penang routes. He said the service initially began with just two vans in the Farlim zone and recorded an average of 120 passengers daily. However, with expansion to new areas such as Gurney, Sunway and Paya Terubong, the number of vans has increased to 17. 'After this expansion, the Rapid Penang On-Demand service continues to receive encouraging response, with current daily ridership averaging 753 passengers,' he said. The Rapid Penang On-Demand service operates daily from 6 am to 11 pm, offering a promotional fare of RM1 per trip.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Rapid Penang On-Demand service expands in George Town, Jelutong, and Bayan Lepas starting April 26
GEORGE TOWN: Rapid Penang's On-Demand bus service is expanding into three new zones from April 26, aiming to improve public transport accessibility in George Town, Jelutong, and Bayan Lepas. In a statement, Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd said the expanded service will offer first-mile and last-mile connectivity, linking passengers to existing bus routes or directly to their destinations. "The introduction of these new zones is expected to encourage more people to opt for public transport over private vehicles," the statement read. Acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria confirmed that 14 vans would be deployed for the operations, with an additional 21 vans to be introduced gradually starting June 2025 to support further service expansion. Ku Jamil also revealed that On-Demand operations in Paya Terubong and Farlim zones will be consolidated from May, enhancing connections between the service and current Rapid Penang routes. "The service initially started with two vans in the Farlim zone, carrying an average of 120 passengers daily. After extending to areas like Gurney, Sunway, and Paya Terubong, the fleet increased to 17 vans. Following this expansion, daily ridership now averages 753 passengers," he said. The On-Demand service operates daily from 6am to 11pm, offering a promotional fare of RM1 per trip.– BERNAMA
