RM1 fare for Putrajaya buses starting Jan 1

 

The L04 Nadiputra bus at Putrajaya Sentral, Putrajaya. Some commuters are upset with the change in routes come Jan 1, 2023.

COMMUTERS using the Nadiputra bus services in Putrajaya, which is free for Malaysians, will have to pay RM1 from Jan 1.

There will also be changes in bus routes and the frequency.

The implementation coincides with a change in Nadiputra’s management, with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd taking over operations from Pengangkutan Awam Putrajaya Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd.

In a Facebook post, Putrajaya Corporation (PPj), the local authority in charge of Putrajaya’s administration, stated that there would be seven routes in total, six chargeable and one free.

“Operational hours are between 6.30am and 8pm on weekdays, and between 7am and 8pm on weekends and public holidays.

“Payment must be made using Touch ‘n Go card, with a minimum balance of RM3.

“Senior citizens, the disabled and students can apply for a MyRapid concession card to enjoy a 50% discount on the fares,” the post read.

It is learnt that more routes will be added soon.

According to the Nadiputra website, the present fleet of buses ply six routes on weekdays (excluding public holidays).

The frequency is every one hour to one and a half hours and the service is free for Malaysians (foreigners pay RM1.50).

Commuters who spoke to StarMetro said they had no qualms about the fare, but were worried about the route changes.

Known only as Zai, a commuter from Precinct 9, Putrajaya was worried about how long it would take to reach her workplace in Precinct 5 as she would have to take two buses instead of one next year.

“I take the L04 bus and the journey takes about 30 minutes. From next year, I have to take a bus from my house and get off at another stop, and wait for another bus to get to my destination.

“The waiting time for the buses is long. I hope the old route, which leads straight to my office, will be reinstated.

“Ehailing services are expensive and sometimes difficult to get too, especially in the evenings.

“I do not mind paying the fare, as long as the route is convenient and the waiting time is short,” she said.

Seri from Gombak, Selangor, whose commute to work depended on taking the bus from Putrajaya Sentral, is upset she will not be able to use the services anymore.

“I have been getting off at the ERL station in Putrajaya Sentral to take a bus to my workplace in Precinct 5 since 2013, but now the route has been removed.

“I will have to take a taxi or ehailing services, which will cost about RM12 one way and it will be very burdensome as I use the monthly unlimited Rapid travel pass, My50 now.

“I hope the old route will be reinstated. The buses are also very old and need to be replaced,” she said.

According to PPj’s post, the only free route will be P101.

It will run near the Putrajaya boulevard area between Kompleks F, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Persiaran Perdana and Precinct 5, stopping at several government offices, tourist attractions and higher learning institutions.

The P101 will run every 15 minutes during peak hours, every 30 minutes during non-peak hours and every 45 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

The paid routes – P102, P103, P104, P105, P106 and P108 -– will run every 30 minutes during peak hours, every 40 minutes during non-peak hours and every 45 minutes during weekends and public holidays.

Peak hours are between 6.30am and 9am, and between 4.30pm and 6pm while non-peak hours are between 9am and 4.30pm, and 6pm and 8pm.

For details, visit www.myrapid.com.my - Star