Rapid Bus says rationalisation targets low-ridership routes, improving service on busy corridors.
PETALING JAYA: Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd has clarified that its ongoing bus route rationalisation is designed to make public transport more efficient and reliable, while keeping disruptions minimal for most passengers.
In a media response to theSun, Rapid Bus said the 29 affected routes were identified as having very low usage, averaging just seven passengers per hour per bus.
“Overall, only 7% of Rapid KL’s 320 routes will be impacted. The adjustments target low-ridership routes to ensure buses are deployed where they are needed most.
“By redeploying buses from underused routes to busy corridors, we can reduce waiting times and improve service where demand is highest, such as Ampang, Jalan Pahang, and Jalan Cheras,” it said.
On Feb 6, Rapid Bus, a subsidiary of Prasarana, announced that 10 more routes will be restructured from Feb 14, as part of the second phase of the rationalisation exercise, bringing the total number of restructured routes to 29 after 19 routes were adjusted last month.
The move has sparked complaints from commuters on social media as previously reported by theSun, with some claiming that the bus changes contributed to traffic congestion ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday.
Some passengers also said feeder buses and alternatives were slow and less convenient.
Rapid Bus, however, reassured the public that the rationalisation improves first- and last-mile connectivity, making it easier to reach LRT, MRT, and GoKL services.
It added that additional virtual stops reduce walking distances and waiting times, creating a smoother, more convenient travel experience.
The company highlighted route T563 (Stesen Serdang Jaya – Technology Park Malaysia & Bukit Jalil), noting that after introducing an on-demand service, daily ridership jumped 104%, showing strong passenger preference for flexible, responsive options.
Passengers are also reminded that alternatives – including Rapid KL On-Demand (ROD), LRT or MRT feeder buses, GoKL, and existing bus routes – remain available.
Rapid Bus said the rationalisation is based on the Demand-Led Bus Network Study conducted in mid-2024, which used passenger data, performance records, and travel pattern insights to identify where buses are most needed.
It said that the process is phased and data-driven, designed to improve efficiency and service quality while keeping disruption to a minimum.
The Sun Malaysia
