MANJUNG: With the rise in population density in several districts in the state, the state government is planning to expand Rapid Bus services, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said.
The Perak Menteri Besar said based on a discussion with Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, the state government would like to have systematic and organised bus services to serve the people in the state.
"Rapid Bus services were launched here about two or three years ago with their first route being in Kamunting, Taiping, which we named Rapid Kamunting.
"We are also planning to expand services to big areas with a high density of people who need more efficient and systematic public transport services," he said.
Zambry said this during a press conference after launching Rapid Manjung Bus service, the second bus service in Perak which started operations on March 1, at Lumut Square here today.
Also present were NCIA chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Azam Omar.
"So today, Manjung is the second place in the state where we would see Rapid Bus services. We hope it can be expanded to several districts in the state.
"Among the districts are Hilir Perak, Bagan Datuk and Teluk Intan with a big population. What is more important is we want to give efficient public bus services to the people here," he added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Azam said the people of Manjung could enjoy a month free ride until March 31.
"There are two routes with 10 buses provided, with the first route covering about 22km from Bandar Manjung to Lumut while the second route will cover Manjung City Loop. Every journey is 45 minutes.
"With such an initiative, we hope the people here will enjoy an efficient, conducive and comfortable Rapid bus service. This will also help spur socio-economic growth in Manjung district," he added.
Redza said new routes would be added should the service be well-received by the people of Manjung.