KUCHING, Jan 17: Bus commuters can now look forward to shorter waiting times as Kuching Metro’s electric bus, Route 103, will begin its journey from the Open Air Market, replacing the previous starting point at the State Legislative Assembly Building (DUN).
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the realignment, effective February 1, was introduced following studies conducted to reduce passenger waiting times.
“By starting the route at the Open Air Market, passengers no longer need to spend an additional half-hour travelling to Kuching town,” he explained.
He added that passengers heading to attractions such as Fort Margherita or DUN can now enjoy a scenic walk across the Darul Hana Bridge.
He said this at the Kuching Metro Electric Bus Route 103 realignment press conference held at the Baitulmakmur Building, Petra Jaya, on Friday.
The new timetable for the service has also been introduced.
The first bus departs at 6:00 AM, and the service runs until 4:30 PM, plying between the Open Air Market and the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
When asked about the need for additional buses in the city, Abdul Karim said more buses would only be introduced if demand increases.
“Public transportation is funded by public money and the state government, so it is best not to waste resources on empty buses,” he noted.
As of 2024, the electric bus service has recorded 45,725 riders.
The electric bus initiative is the first of its kind in Sarawak, contributing to the state’s vision of becoming a premier eco-tourism destination. -TVS
