KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 175 new electric buses are expected to enter service in Kuala Lumpur as Rapid KL moves towards a greener public transport system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move was part of the government’s efforts to improve public transport services and make the capital a more sustainable city.
“A total of 175 new electric buses will begin operating in Kuala Lumpur soon,” he said when officiating the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territories DAP annual convention here today.
He said the government was pursuing a broader programme to modernise the public transport fleet, with 1,700 buses to be ordered or procured by 2030.
The first phase involves 250 electric buses, comprising 175 for Rapid KL and 75 for Rapid Penang.
The buses are intended to support the gradual replacement of conventional diesel-powered vehicles.
Loke said the transition would complement efforts to improve connectivity across Kuala Lumpur.
He said public transport remained a priority in the capital, which already had an extensive rail network comprising the MRT, LRT and monorail systems.
However, more attention was needed to improve first- and last-mile connections between public transport stations, residential areas and commercial centres.
The government had approved the construction of 22km of pedestrian walkways, including covered walkways, by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), he said.
The initiative aims to improve accessibility and make it easier for commuters to reach public transport facilities.
Loke said the improvements would be complemented by services provided by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid KL.
He said an efficient public transport system required more than rail infrastructure, as commuters also needed convenient connections to their homes and workplaces.