KUCHING (April 3): The RM1 subsidised bus fare on the Kuching-Serian route here will cease by May this year and will be replaced with the MyBas50 transit pass fare structure as part of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, said the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MoTS).
In a statement today, the ministry said the Kuching-Serian route is one of the 10 routes under the SBST programme, operated by Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd under BAS.MY’s pink buses, effective this month.
For a fixed rate of RM50 monthly for the MyBas50 transit pass, passengers can enjoy unlimited rides on BAS.MY Kuching buses.
“The 10 routes under the SBST programme, funded by the federal government over a five-year period, serve to improve stage bus services in Kuching.
“The remaining nine routes—including Taman Malihah, Bako, SMK Matang Jaya, SMK Agama Matang 2, Kampung Benuk Homestay, SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa, King Centre, Muara Tebas and Terminal Bas Bau, will transition to the SBST Programme in phases by next month.
“Similarly, the RM1 subsidised fare on these affected routes will cease and be replaced with the MyBas50 transit pass fare structure,” said the ministry in response to a recent report by City Public Link Bus Service Sdn Bhd regarding bus fare adjustments for the Kuching-Serian route.
MoTS pointed out that the recent launch of the SBST programme aims to enhance public transportation in Kuching while also helping to reduce traffic congestion.
Additionally, students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities can travel free of charge under the SBST programme.
According to MoTS, the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme remains in effect for areas not covered by the SBST programme and will continue to support eligible stage bus routes ensuring ongoing assistance for public transportation across Sarawak.
It said this initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible public transport, particularly benefiting the B40 group while also helping to ease traffic congestion.
“The Ministry of Transport Sarawak remains dedicated to improving public transportation services for the benefit of the people of Sarawak,” added the statement.
