KUCHING: Some 56 buses, through the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) Programme, will be deployed throughout Kuching city, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the programme would involve an allocation of RM79.2 million over five years.
He added that the public transport system, which is set to begin next year, will also be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and cater to the needs of persons with disabilities (PwD).
“The bus operator will be paid by us (the government) and we are budgeting about RM16 million a year, so we know how much we need to pay them monthly per the agreement.
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He said they will also discuss with the Sarawak Transport Ministry to ensure the SBST routes do not overlap with those used by the hydrogen-powered buses mobilised by the state government.
Loke also assured that the SBST bus fares would be reasonable and would not burden the passengers.
“The decision on the bus fares will be made by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB)… we will discuss with them and surely won’t burden the users as we have already paid its cost,” he said.
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