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Stage Bus Service Transformation

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Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST)
Overview
OwnerMinistry of Transport
LocaleMalaysia
Transit typeStage bus
A T57 (now N57) route bus featuring the original blue and white myBAS livery, used during the initial phase of the SBST programme (2015–2024).
The revamped BAS.MY buses introduced in 2025 in Ipoh, painted in a distinctive pink livery. These newer units are equipped with disability-friendly facilities (OKU access) and real-time GPS tracking.

The Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme (Malay: Program Transformasi Bas Berhenti-Henti), commonly branded as BAS.MY (formerly known as myBAS), is a government initiative launched by the Ministry of Transport of Malaysia to enhance public bus networks in key state capitals and urban areas outside the Klang Valley. The programme is regulated by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) in Peninsular Malaysia, and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) in Sabah and Sarawak.

History

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The Stage Bus Service Transformation programme was first announced during the tabling of the 2015 Budget by then-Prime Minister Najib Razak in October 2014. The initiative aimed for gradual implementation in Kangar (Perlis), Seremban (Negeri Sembilan), Ipoh (Perak), and Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu).[1]

The myBAS service commenced operations in Kangar on 1 August 2015, followed by Seremban on 15 November 2015, and Ipoh on 1 April 2016.[2] Operations in Kuala Terengganu subsequently began on 1 March 2018.[3]

The scheme was later expanded to other major cities. Johor Bahru launched its myBAS service on 31 March 2022. Subsequently, Melaka introduced its SBST service on 1 May 2024.[4] These were the first services to implement contactless card payments via Visa and Mastercard, as well as the My50 unlimited bus pass for Malaysian citizens.

Rebranding to BAS.MY

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In 2024, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced a comprehensive revamp of the SBST programme, rebranding it as BAS.MY. This rebranding involved a transition from the original blue-and-white livery (or yellow-green-white in Johor Bahru) to a standardized pink livery. The revamp also introduced digital fare payment methods via QR codes, alongside the implementation of the My50 unlimited pass and free travel passes for students, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (OKU).

Following the rebranding, the scheme was expanded to further cities in 2025:

  • Kuching, Sarawak: Launched on 5 March 2025, marking the first expansion of the SBST scheme to East Malaysia.[5]
  • Kedah: Alor Setar received dedicated BAS.MY services on 1 June 2025, alongside Sungai Petani, which became the first non-capital town to be included in the scheme.[6]
  • Kota Bharu, Kelantan: Services began on 1 August 2025, with BAS.MY taking over existing routes previously operated by Konsortium E-Mutiara under the Mutiara Rentas Desa brand.
  • Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Trial runs commenced on 10 October 2025.
  • Kuantan, Pahang: The scheme is scheduled to expand to Kuantan in December 2025, with selected routes extended into small part of Kemaman, replacing the Rapid Kuantan bus service.[7]

Operation

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See also: List of BAS.MY bus routes

Public bus networks operating under the Stage Bus Service Transformation programme were established in the following cities:

List of Stage Bus Service Transformation (BAS.MY) public bus networks
City and State Launch Year Operator Description
Kangar, Perlis 2015 MARA Liner Network includes connections to Alor Setar and northern Kedah.
Seremban, Negeri Sembilan 2015 Gopi Travel Tours, KR Travel & Tours, Southern Omnibus, Unitedbas Coverage extends to other towns including Nilai, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Jelebu, and Bahau.
Ipoh, Perak 2016 Perak Transit Routes cover Kuala Kangsar and Seri Iskandar; expanded to Kampar following the BAS.MY rebranding.
Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu 2018 MARA Liner Includes coverage for Marang and Kuala Berang.
Johor Bahru, Johor 2022 Handal Indah, Transit Link (Johor Bahru), Maju, S&S International Took over original trunk routes from respective operators, extending to Kota Tinggi, Pontian, and Kulai. First city in the scheme to accept Visa/Mastercard payments and the My50 pass.
Melaka 2024 Handal Indah, MARA Liner Replaced statewide trunk routes formerly operated by Panorama Melaka. First city to officially launch with the BAS.MY branding.
Kuching, Sarawak 2025 Biramas Express (BusAsia) First East Malaysian city to implement the service. Routes extend to Serian, Bau, and Kota Samarahan.
Alor Setar and Sungai Petani, Kedah 2025 Gopi Travel Tours Dedicated services covering major urban areas in Kedah.
Kota Bharu, Kelantan 2025 Konsortium E-Mutiara Replaced trunk routes previously operated under the Mutiara Rentas Desa brand.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 2025 Jaguh Bayu (Handal Indah) Currently in trial phase.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Teks ucapan Bajet 2015". Berita Harian (in Malay). 10 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  2. ^ Ngah, Haryani (18 February 2016). "Perkhidmatan MyBas diperluas ke Ipoh". Berita Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  3. ^ "Operasi myBAS Kuala Terengganu Bermula Awal" (in Malay). 9 March 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  4. ^ Jamal, Norafiqah (13 May 2024). "SBST: Melaka tambah baik waktu, laluan bas domestik" (in Malay). Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Kuching's BAS.MY service to start March 5". The Star. 4 March 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  6. ^ "Kota Setar's BAS.MY Projected To Serve 28,000 Passengers Monthly". Carz Automedia Malaysia. 6 May 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  7. ^ Alagesh, T. N. (11 August 2025). "Kuantan's new pink Bas.My buses start operating Dec 16 | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
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