KUCHING: Commercial Vehicle Licencing Board (LPKP) Sarawak has started upgrading stage buses across the state with GPS and ETM devices as part of efforts to modernise and improve public transport services, said its chairman Michael Kong.
Kong said the initiative is supported under the Integrated Stage Bus Subsidy Fund which allocates a total of RM5 million each year to help operators cover essential costs including rent, salaries and vehicle maintenance.
Effective November 1 this year, all stage buses in Sarawak are required to be equipped with GPS and electronic ticketing machines.
He said the GPS units will allow LPKP Sarawak to monitor bus movements, ensure buses follow their designated routes and schedules, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The ETM devices will assist operators with fare collection while providing accurate passenger data to support better planning of bus services statewide.
Kong added that the installation of these devices would normally cost operators about RM800 per bus each month. To ease their burden, LPKP Sarawak will fully absorb the cost through the subsidy fund so operators do not need to pay anything extra.
“Since last Monday, I have met with stage bus operators in Kuching, Sibu and Miri to brief them on this initiative and to secure their cooperation. We are pleased that more than 100 buses have already signed up,” he said.
Kong said the introduction of GPS and ETM devices marks an important step toward a more modern and efficient stage bus industry in Sarawak.
“This reflects our commitment to strengthen public transport, support bus operators and provide better services for the people of Sarawak,” he added.
By Connie Chieng