Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd has announced plans to expand its on-demand van service with the addition of approximately 100 vans by the end of 2024 to improve first-mile and last-mile connectivity in the Klang Valley in Malaysia. The Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) service will see the first 20 vans rolled out in June 2024.
In 2021, three trials helped fine-tune the service, initially introduced in Shah Alam, Wangsa Maju, and Petaling Jaya. The DRT service, designed to complement existing bus routes, offers flexibility as vans can access areas unreachable by buses and reroute during emergencies. The service allows passengers to book rides via the Kumpool app, with the vans capable of seating 12 passengers and expected to carry 7 to 8 during peak hours. Passengers can book the service for RM1 using various payment methods, including Touch n Go and MyCity Pass.
Additionally, Rapid Bus operates a door-to-door service called Rapid Mobility, catering to passengers with disabilities. This service, operational since 2011 in Kuala Lumpur and 2016 in Penang, now features a fare adjustment of RM7 for two passengers and includes a cashless payment option via QR code, though cash payments are still accepted. The service covers several areas in Klang Valley and Penang.
To manage costs while maintaining service quality, Rapid Bus has also started outsourcing the operations of 30 bus routes in Klang Valley as of June 2024. Currently, Rapid Bus operates 264 routes with over 900 buses in the central region.