While it might not be driverless like in Singapore, the inclusion of electric buses has been deemed as a step forward for the local public transportation system. Following the steps of the all-electric Rapid KL BRT line in Sunway and Nadiputra’s electric bus fleet in Putrajaya, Kuching is currently trialing electric bus on its streets.
Operated by Henz Pacific, the single bus which was officially launched on 1 March is manufactured by CRRC Corporation Limited. The bus will go on a three-month trial and cover 26 stops, which includes popular destinations such as the Open Air Market, Kuching Waterfront, and Sarawak Museum.
With a capacity of 53 people, it is also wheelchair accessible and equipped with free Wi-Fi service that is powered by Digi. Passengers can download the Kuching Metro app for Android or iOS that will show where the bus is currently located on a real-time basis.
[Video] Kuching trials first electric public bus pic.twitter.com/su7UqeVaWQ
— BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) March 5, 2019
Even though the electric bus is still on trial stage in Kuching, the Sarawak state government already planning to have more electric buses on the road in the near future. Not only that, it is also looking to roll out electric buses in other cities within the state such as Miri and Sibu.
(Source: Bernama // Borneo Post // Berita Harian. Images: TVSarawak // Sarawak Bus & Truck Community)
