KUALA LUMPUR, December 28 — The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is set to introduce on-demand transit van services, also known as demand-responsive transit (DRT), in the Klang Valley to enhance the interconnectivity of public transportation. Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced that the initiative aims to address the first and last-mile connectivity gap in areas with limited access to public bus services. The on-demand transit van service, similar to e-hailing services, will operate in strategic locations, and part of the RM50 million allocation under Budget 2024 for public transportation enhancement will be used to purchase vans.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad will oversee the operations, and the ministry encourages cooperation with companies offering on-demand van services to expand the initiative. Loke highlighted the need for improved connectivity in residential areas without bus routes. Additionally, the ministry plans to present amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 next year, focusing on the offence of driving in bus lanes. The amendments will enable enforcement personnel to issue compounds based on offences recorded by cameras, moving towards smart enforcement using license plate scanning devices. Advocacy efforts will precede the issuance of compounds for private vehicles misusing bus lanes, aimed at improving the effectiveness of the lanes.
