Kota Kinabalu: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) GRS Beaufras (Bureau of Infrastructure and Utilities) has called for improvements to Kota Kinabalu’s public transportation system, including better bus routes, upgrading bus stops and constructing extensive covered walkways across the City.
Its Director, Peggy Liow, said Kota Kinabalu deserved a more modern and efficient public transport network to ease traffic congestion while providing City dwellers and visitors with a convenient, comfortable and affordable commuting option.
She welcomed the introduction and operation of the pink BAS.MY buses, commonly known as the “Pink Bus”, describing it as a positive step towards improving public transportation in the state capital.
In Kota Kinabalu, the iconic “Pink Bus” service, BAS.MY, operates a fully cashless system offering fixed schedules, modern amenities, and strict adherence to routes—mostly originating from the KK Sentral Bus Terminal.
“Although our bureau members have observed that the buses are often operating with few passengers, we believe that as the operator learns commuters’ needs and preferences and continues to adapt and improve services, more people will choose to use the Pink Bus in the future.
“Furthermore, the feedback we gather from the public highlighted several areas for improvement, including the need to revise and expand bus routes as well as clearly identifying bus stops in bright pink paint so as to make them more visible and accessible to commuters waiting for the Pink Bus,” Peggy said to Daily Express, here, Wednesday.
In a related development, she said the bureau would also propose government budgeting, planning and construction of extensive covered walkways equipped with solar-powered lighting throughout Kota Kinabalu City before gradually expanding the initiative across Greater Kota Kinabalu.
She said the solar-powered lighting for the covered walkways would be a sustainable initiative, with energy-efficient LED lighting powered by solar energy to promote renewable energy and ensure a safer environment for the public at night.
According to her, the proposed covered walkways, strategically located at pedestrian bridges in the city centre, would help create a safer and more comfortable pedestrian environment while encouraging more people to walk for convenience and health reasons.
“With proper shaded walkways, pedestrians will be protected from the hot tropical weather and they can also stay dry during rain under the walkways,” she said.
Peggy said such walkways should be integrated and linked with upgraded bus stops featuring modern designs, real-time bus schedule information, installation of CCTV security systems and adequate seating facilities for passengers.
