KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ramp up enforcement and penalise those who misuse bus lanes soon, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said this was part of their efforts to increase public transport ridership, especially for buses.
In the Prasarana 2023 Performance and Future Plans report, Loke said the average daily ridership for buses last year stood at 241,000 and was targeted to increase to 285,000 this year.
"People prefer not to take buses because they will be stuck in traffic jams so the frequency is unpredictable. We are addressing those issues.
"That's why we are putting a lot of effort into introducing bus lanes. We have two bus lanes currently; Jalan Ampang and Jalan Genting Klang.
"If these two corridors are successful, we are looking at having more," he said to reporters.
When asked if those who abused the bus lanes would be penalised, he said: "That will come."
Loke said to ensure that bus lanes would not be abused, they would look into a carrot and stick approach.
"My approach has always been carrot and stick. If the carrot doesn't entice them, we will use the stick," he said.
Loke added the ministry was collaborating with local authorities for the proof of concept phase to expand bus lanes in Jalan Ampang and Jalan Klang Lama.
There would also be a permanent bus lane expansion in Jalan Ampang and Jalan Genting Klang.
Meanwhile, Prasanara is also at the tender evaluation stage for the procurement of 310 diesel buses.
Loke said this is the last batch of diesel buses that will be procured as he had instructed Prasarana to procure electronic vehicles, in-line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
"The tender is being evaluated. It will be awarded by March and once awarded, it will take one year to be delivered.
"60 per cent of those buses are mini buses.
"It will be the last procurement of diesel buses. We are focusing to adopt electronic vehicles, in line with the national policy," he said.
This year, 117 bus stops, 11 walkways and 15 bus hubs would also be upgraded.