BAS.MY launches in Kota Kinabalu with 48 buses, GPS, cashless payments, and free fares for OKU, seniors, and students under RM88 million investment.
BAS.MY Completes, Not Replaces, Existing Bus Services – Minister Loke
A modern, scheduled bus service has begun operating in Kota Kinabalu under the BAS.MY initiative, marking a major transformation of the city’s public transport system through federal–state cooperation and significant investment.
With an allocation of RM88 million over five years, the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) initiative introduces 48 new buses across eight major routes, equipped with cashless payment systems, real-time GPS tracking, and facilities for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the BAS.MY service gives Kota Kinabalu residents a more efficient and reliable public transport option while supporting local economic growth.
“With an investment of RM88 million by the Federal Government, the citizens of Sabah will enjoy 48 new buses across 8 major routes with modern features such as cashless payment, real-time GPS and OKU (people with disabilities/PWD)-friendly and senior citizens. BAS.MY 30 Day Card only RM50 for unlimited travel, while senior citizens, OKU and school to university students enjoy free fare,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.
“More importantly, job opportunities are also created specifically for Sabah children, ensuring economic benefits return to local people. This initiative proves that when Federal and State Governments work together, the results can be felt directly by the people. Together we continue our efforts to build a more developed, modern and prosperous Sabah.”
He also noted that the BAS.MY service is designed to complement, not replace, the existing privately run bus services that continue to operate in outlying areas such as Tuaran.
“Previously, the bus services around Kota Kinabalu were largely operated by private entities. We won’t disrupt this, and they can still operate without any problems because there are remote areas like Tuaran that rely on these existing services,” he said, as quoted by Bernama.
“For private business owners, they can’t operate on schedule because there are constraints; sometimes, if there aren’t enough passengers, they run at a loss. This BAS.MY service was introduced for the areas around Kota Kinabalu city, which will operate on a scheduled basis. This concept is more advantageous for operators, as they are paid according to the operational schedule, eliminating their risk. So, whether there are passengers or not, or if there are fewer passengers, the bus still has to run,” he added.
The fare structure reflects the programme’s social focus. Senior citizens, people with disabilities, and students can travel for free with a one-time RM10 concession card, while other passengers can purchase a BAS.MY 30 Day Card for RM50, allowing unlimited travel on all eight routes.
The BAS.MY rollout in Kota Kinabalu follows similar SBST initiatives implemented in Kangar (Perlis), Seremban (Negeri Sembilan), Ipoh (Perak), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Johor Bahru (Johor), Kuantan (Pahang), and Kuching (Sarawak).
