By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The Bas.My Ipoh service, which has been revitalized, is now equipped with modern facilities, making it more accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities (OKU).
Other improvements include the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and the introduction of an affordable unlimited travel pass for the public.
According to the Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the Bus Rapid Transit (SBST) Service Transformation Program in Ipoh, which started in 2016, has been extended until 2029.
“Various improvements have been made, including new types of buses, additional routes, an open payment system, concession cards, and monthly passes.
“The cheerful design of the pink-colored buses was introduced to make it easier for passengers to identify them.
“Bas.My in Ipoh covers five Local Authority (PBT) areas, namely the Ipoh City Council, Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council, Kampar District Council, Batu Gajah District Council, and Perak Tengah District Council,” he said.
He made this statement during the launch of the SBST Bas.My Ipoh Program on Monday.
He added that 51 new buses, consisting of 14 midi buses and 37 mini low-floor buses, would be used.
“This will make it easier for passengers to board and alight, and they will also be more accessible for people with disabilities. The buses have been equipped with additional safety features, such as CCTV.
“Passengers can pay the fare using cashless methods, with multiple options, including debit cards, credit cards, or e-wallets,” he said.
Additionally, the unlimited monthly travel pass, the Bas.My 30-Day Card, will be introduced in Ipoh.
Users will only need to pay RM50 for unlimited travel across all 16 routes for a period of 30 days.
This facility is only available to Malaysian citizens.
He added that the Bas.My Concession Card offers free fares to senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities, and school students aged 7 to 17, with the program now extended to university, polytechnic, and community college students.
“Eligible citizens only need to register once with a fee of RM10 to enjoy free fares. This registration remains valid as long as they belong to the groups of senior citizens, people with disabilities, school students, or students,” he said.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport, through the Land Public Transport Agency, requires Bas.My Ipoh operators to provide a door-to-door booking service for patients with limited mobility, such as wheelchair-bound individuals.
This service, known as Bas.My Medik, aims to transport patients for medical treatments, such as dialysis sessions or hospital visits, at affordable rates.
