CJMY
In a significant move towards improving public transportation accessibility and affordability, the Ministry of Transport has introduced the ‘myBAS Concession’ pass.
This initiative is aimed at offering free fares to individuals falling under specific categories, including people with disabilities (OKU), senior citizens, children, and schoolchildren aged seven to 17.
Commencing today, this development is poised to benefit over 2,500 individuals across targeted cities, including Seremban, Ipoh, and Johor Bahru.
Expanding horizons for inclusion and affordability
Transport Ministery Anthony Loke highlighted the essence of this initiative in his recent statement. The implementation of this travel cost subsidy is part of the broader Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme managed by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
With the aim of supporting the Madani Economy concept, the SBST initiative not only enhances the urban transportation network but also alleviates the financial burden posed by the escalating cost of living on the target demographics.
The ‘myBAS Concession‘ card, which serves as the gateway to these free fares, was officially launched by Loke.
During the launch event at the Seremban bus terminal, he iterated that the provision of free fares is a progressive step towards fostering inclusive and accessible public transportation systems.
myBAS Concession: Extending the reach of accessibility
The promising prospect of free fares is set to expand beyond the initial three cities. Minister Loke affirmed that the ‘myBAS Concession’ programme’s reach will gradually extend to cover other states, ensuring a more comprehensive implementation that benefits a broader population.
As this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting equitable access to essential services, its success is anticipated to inspire similar efforts in different regions.
Eligibility for this programme is a straightforward process. Those who qualify can register at the myBAS service counter by presenting their identification documents, which could include MyKid, MyKad, or MyTentera. It’s important to note that children aged six and below are exempt from the registration process, streamlining the accessibility for families.
Currently, the myBAS Concession programme encompasses 58 routes across Seremban, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh. With a considerable reach within these cities, this initiative is expected to significantly impact public transportation patterns and encourage more individuals to opt for buses as their preferred mode of travel.
To address this challenge, Minister Loke revealed that the ministry is actively engaging with bus operators. The potential solution involves granting additional permits to operators, thereby boosting the availability of bus services. The objective is to ensure that commuters, especially those traveling between Seremban and Kuala Lumpur, have consistent and reliable transportation options.
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