KUCHING (March 4): The BAS.MY Kuching bus service will commence operations in phases starting tomorrow, announced the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak.

LPKP in a statement stated that the first route, Q10, will run from the Open Air Market to Serian, with six new wheelchair-accessible buses.

“The route will span a distance of 67km one way with 48 bus stops,” it added.

The BAS.MY Kuching is implemented under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme initiated by the Federal Government.

“The service rollout will continue in phases until April this year. Once fully operational, 56 new buses will serve 10 routes across the city,” said LPKP.

It added that the buses operate on an open payment system, which allows passengers to pay using debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets, or cash.

“Malaysian citizens can subscribe to the 30-Day BAS.MY Card for RM50, enabling unlimited rides on BAS.MY Kuching for 30 days.

“Special fare exemptions are also available for persons with disabilities (OKU), senior citizens aged 60 and above, school students, and university students who are Malaysian citizens.

“They can apply for the BAS.MY Concession Card from the operator to enjoy free rides,” it said.

LPKP Sarawak, under the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT), is committed to ensuring that BAS.MY Kuching contributes to a more efficient and accessible public transport system in the Greater Kuching area.