Kota Kinabalu: The Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) Program will be introduced in Kota Kinabalu to enhance the city’s public transportation system, making it more efficient, systematic, and commuter-friendly.
This initiative was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sabah, led by its Chairperson, Vivian Wong Shir Yee, to Kota Kinabalu Mayor, Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah, on March 12, 2025.
During the meeting, LPKP Deputy Director Boney Joumil and Senior Assistant Director R.M. Luqman Mohamed provided an in-depth briefing on the improvements introduced under SBST.
The transformation program aims to modernize stage bus services with several key upgrades, including GPS tracking for real-time bus monitoring, electronic ticketing system (e-Ticketing), Standardized fare and schedule approved by LPKP, annual passenger data collection for service enhancement and Mandatory PSV license for all bus operators.
The new system will also improve connectivity within Kota Kinabalu, ensuring seamless access to various destinations.
Under the SBST program, the Jesselton Link network will have eight routes connecting key areas in Kota Kinabalu.
The 101 route will operate between KK Sentral and KK Sentral via Jalan UMS and Jalan Lintas. The 102 route will cover KK Sentral to KK Sentral via Jalan Lintas and Jalan UMS.
The 103A and 103B routes will run between Pekan Manggatal and Pekan Manggatal, passing through Jalan Tuaran (Lama) and Jalan Sepanggar.
Meanwhile, the 201 route will connect KK Sentral to KK Sentral via Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and Jalan Penampang, and the 202 route will run between KK Sentral and KK Sentral via Jalan Damai and Jalan Kompleks Sukan.
The 301 route will also link KK Sentral to KK Sentral via Jalan Kepayan and Jalan Lintas. In comparison, the 302 route will serve passengers travelling between KK Sentral and KK Sentral via Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Kepayan.
The SBST system will also introduce Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure timely departures and strict adherence to designated routes, allowing passengers to reach their destinations without disruptions.
The Mayor emphasized that current stop bus operators will continue their services as usual while encouraging them to upgrade their services over time in line with public needs.
He also appreciated the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and facilities in Kota Kinabalu.
“This initiative will catalyze better-quality public transport services for the people of Kota Kinabalu,” he said in City Hall Statement.
Also present at the briefing were the Director General of Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Sr. Lifred Wong, the Director of the Transportation and Traffic Department, Hana’Aifah A.S. Suhaili, the Director of the Complaints and Public Relations Department, Hajah Jainab Saidi, and the Director of the Enforcement Department, Mohd. Haniff Abdullah.
This transformation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide a more efficient and accessible public transportation system for the people of Kota Kinabalu.
