PETALING JAYA, Feb 27 - Petaling Jaya residents will be provided with free bus services by April.
The 28.2km route will start from the bus terminal on Jalan PJS 3/11 and will cover areas such as Jalan Penchala, Jalan Gasing and Jalan Sultan.
Mayor Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said RM1 million had been allocated for the project from the annual budget.
‘’It is our social responsibility and providing the people with free bus services is one way to show them we care,’’ said Alinah.
She said the aim was to show the feasibility of using public transport to get around Petaling Jaya, especially during peak hours in the mornings and evenings.
“The operational hours will be during peak hours so that schoolchildren and working adults can benefit,” the mayor said.
With 10 vehicles serving for this inaugural free service, Alinah envisioned a five-minute frequency during peak hours and 10 minutes at off-peak.
She also said incentives were being worked out to encourage Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) employees to take public transport.
“This will free up parking spaces in PJ New Town and surrounding areas, as well as reduce the number of bays needed,” said Alinah.
MPBJ has also highlighted 16 dengue hot spots in the district, with the “hottest” being Mentari Court 1 PJS 8 with 177 cases reported.
‘’We will be taking a more proactive approach but this exercise will be in vain if the people do not give extra attention and are not more responsible,’’ said Alinah.
She said the council would visit 90 schools to educate the students, while having more community-based clean-ups in residential areas.
