If you’re planning to make a trip down to Kuala Lumpur or perhaps you’re moving here from other states then the first thing that will be extremely crucial to you is getting around. Kuala Lumpur or more popularly known as KL to the locals, is notorious for its peak hour traffic jams which is why the Federal Highway (connecting the heart of Kuala Lumpur all the way to Klang) is fondly known to us locals as the world’s biggest parking lot.
Now you see why driving can be a nightmare in the Klang Valley? Well you can avoid all that by opting for public transport instead. If you haven’t got a clue on where to buy tickets, which station to board or which bus goes where, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a quick guide on getting around using the bus system in Klang Valley.
AN INTRODUCTION TO BUSES
There are over 10 bus systems namely RapidKL, CityLiner, Len Ngiap, Len Seng, Mega Coach, Selangor Omnibus, SJ Bus, Sri Indah, Transnasional, Triton and Metrobus. RapidKL is the most popular and widespread bus system employing Touch N’ Go and Rapid Pass tagging services whilst the rest are still on the traditional cash-only fare system.
Most Rapid KL buses are handicap-friendly and buses that employ busier routes often have less seats to accommodate more people standing but the other bus systems are filled with seats from one end to another. However, that doesn’t stop the bus operator from packing on more people into its aisle.
PAYMENT SYSTEM
If you’re taking the Metrobus, Len Seng, Transnasional or Omnibus systems, only cash is accepted and you will receive a ticket stub.
RapidKL buses use the RapidPass or Touch ‘n Go systems which is more convenient because there’s no need to fumble around looking for change because your credit is loaded into your card when you top up. You can get Touch ‘n Go cards from major LRT stations, Petronas gas stations and also Touch ‘n Go Sales Counters located at highways. Choose a reload value from RM10, RM20, RM35, RM50, RM100, RM200 and RM500. Touch ‘n Go cards have a one year warranty but have been tested to go up to 64,000 uses which equates to 10 years of heavy use.
When you touch the transit card on the card reader as you board the bus, the maximum fare of the route travelled is deducted from your card. When you touch out as you alight, the system automatically calculates the exact fare. This fare is displayed on the reader, and the balance is refunded into the card.
To reload your card with credit, simply tap or insert your card into the machines located at any LRT station or in RapidKL buses themselves then insert the amount you want to top up with and wait until the machine certifies the transaction. Unlike Touch ‘n Go which deducts fare depending on which route you take, RapidPass gives you unlimited rides monthly based on pass you select.
RapidPass Tempatan (RM40) is valid for all routes on RapidKL Tempatan bus routes only
RapidPass Bas (RM100) is valid for all routes on the RapidKL Tempatan, Bandar dan Utama bus routes
RapidPass Integrasi (RM150) is valid for all Tempatan, Bandar, Utama and Ekspress bus routes and on Kelana Jaya Line LRT, Ampang Line LRT and Monorail services
RapidPass Semua Konsesi (RM50) is valid for all routes on the Tempatan, Bandar and Utama routes
*restricted to students in uniform, elderly people 60 years and above and the disabled(OKU)
So depending on your routes and frequency, purchase a pass that will fit your needs. RapidPasses can be purchased at LRT stations and can Students can also apply for the Rapidpass Pelajar for more affordable rates. If you don’t own a Touch n Go or RapidPass card, you’ll have to pay your fares in cash. Make sure you have the exact change in the right denomination otherwise you may be denied a ride.
SAFETY
Just like any where else in the world, you need to be cautious of your surroundings and make sure you carry your bags in front of you where you can see them and like it or not, there have been many cases of harassment so you girls might want to wear something less revealing or opt for jeans over skirts instead. Sad but true.
The good news is that there are now RapidKL buses for females only. Take note of the bus numbers below for the Rapid Bas Wanita but if you’re travelling with a male companion, you both will have to take the normal buses instead. If you end up standing during a bus ride, always stand with your legs slightly open and if you can, avoid high heels and opt for shoes with rubber soles instead for more grip.
ROUTES
For a complete list of RapidKL bus routes, do visit their page here for more information. We couldn’t find any information online in regards to the other bus routes so you’ll have to keep a lookout for the destinations printed on the buses themselves. Most buses operate from 6 am until 11.30 pm.
EFFICIENCY
Apart from the occasional B.O and packer-than-a-sardine-can rides during peak hours, bus rides in Kuala Lumpur are pretty decent because there are Bus Only lanes during the up till 7pm in the evening so the journey is relatively smooth and quick. The good news is that RapidKL has recently purchased over 800 buses to add to their fleet for 2012 to ensure more frequent buses and a comfier ride for its passengers.
Well that sums up our honest review of our local bus systems, it’s not perfect but it does save us a lot of money and time (most of the time!). Do try to take the to work whenever you can, not only is it friendlier on your wallet but also the environment we live in. We do hope that someday our bus systems will be on par with nations such as Australia, Singapore and UK, lets make that happen!
