Focus on Safety and Licensing, Not Exclusive Terminal Use

Transport‍ minister ​Loke⁣ Siew Fook addressed concerns⁤ on November 11, 2023, regarding⁢ express bus⁤ operations, clarifying that operators like ⁤Aeroline are⁣ not mandated to‌ operate solely​ from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). The primary directive, according to the Minister, ​centers on ensuring ⁣all services depart from locations‍ that are both licensed and ⁤prioritize passenger ‍safety.

The Ministry recognizes that previous regulations defining a “bus terminal”‌ were overly restrictive. Efforts ‍are underway​ to streamline thes definitions ⁢to broaden ⁢the range of ‍suitable locations.

Expanding Terminal Options Beyond‍ Conventional Hubs

The Ministry is ⁣actively working to facilitate the licensing of‌ choice locations, including ⁣shopping ​malls equipped with appropriate infrastructure. ⁣ 1 Utama Shopping Center has been identified ‌as a⁣ potential site, and discussions are ongoing regarding similar arrangements at Lalaport Bukit Bintang – which benefits from ⁣a ⁣dedicated bus lane – ​and IOI ​City ⁢Mall in Putrajaya.

This move aims to provide ⁤greater convenience for passengers and operators while upholding safety standards. The intention is to create a ⁤more flexible network ⁣of approved departure points.

Streamlining Regulations for Wider Accessibility

Minister Loke emphasized that the⁤ overarching goal ‌is‌ to ensure ‌all express bus⁢ services operate from “suitable, licensed, and‌ safe” terminals. Simplifying the definition of‌ a bus terminal is a key component of this strategy,possibly ‌opening up⁢ more areas for use as official departure points. Further details are⁤ expected⁣ to⁢ emerge following the Transport Expo ‌Asia ‌2025.