Why JB Bus Ridership Remains Low Despite Public Transport Expansion

Public transport officials in Johor Bahru report that bus usage in the city remains below 10% of total trips, despite recent efforts to expand services, according to a 2024 report by the Malaysian Public Transport Authority (PTA). This figure contrasts with the national average of 18% for urban public transit use, highlighting persistent challenges in encouraging residents to prioritize buses over private vehicles or ride-hailing services.

What Are the Main Barriers to Increased Bus Usage?

Local transport agencies identify three primary obstacles to higher ridership: limited route coverage, inconsistent service frequency, and competition from ride-hailing platforms. A 2023 survey by the Johor Bahru Transport Council found that 62% of residents cited “inconvenient bus stops” as a major issue, while 45% noted that buses often arrived late or skipped scheduled stops.

“The current bus network doesn’t connect key residential areas with commercial hubs efficiently,” said Nurul Huda Ahmad, a PTA spokesperson. “We’re working on reconfiguring routes to address these gaps, but it’s a complex process requiring coordination with local municipalities.”

How Does JB’s Bus System Compare to Other Malaysian Cities?

Johor Bahru’s bus ridership lags behind cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where public transport accounts for 25% and 22% of daily trips, respectively. A 2024 study by the University of Malaya’s Transportation Research Unit attributed this disparity to JB’s reliance on informal transport networks and underdeveloped pedestrian infrastructure.

For example, while KL has a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, JB’s buses operate on standard roads with no priority lanes. This leads to frequent delays, with a 2023 audit by the Malaysian Institute of Transport showing that JB buses experience 18% more traffic-related delays than their counterparts in other major cities.

What Role Do Ride-Hailing Services Play?

Ride-hailing platforms like Grab and MyCar have significantly impacted public transport demand. A 2024 analysis by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) revealed that 37% of JB residents use ride-hailing services for daily commutes, compared to 12% who rely on buses. The convenience of on-demand services, coupled with lower perceived reliability of public buses, has driven this shift.

“Residents are opting for services that offer door-to-door convenience, even if they’re more expensive,” said Dr. Rajiv Mehta, an urban planner at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. “Buses need to compete on reliability and comfort, not just cost.”

What Measures Are Being Taken to Improve Ridership?

The PTA announced in March 2024 a $25 million initiative to upgrade JB’s bus fleet, including the introduction of 50 new electric buses and real-time tracking systems. Additionally, the government has approved a 15% subsidy for low-income commuters using public transport, effective July 2024.

However, critics argue that these steps may not be enough. “Infrastructure upgrades take time, and without a cultural shift toward public transport, we’ll continue to see low usage,” said Lim Siew Mei, a transportation advocate with the Johor Bahru Green Movement. “We need better incentives and stronger enforcement of bus priority lanes.”

What’s Next for JB’s Public Transport Future?

Experts suggest that integrating JB’s bus network with the proposed East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) could boost ridership by connecting the city to regional destinations. The ECRL, expected to open in 2026, aims to reduce travel times between JB and Kuala Lumpur to under three hours, potentially increasing demand for complementary bus services.

In the meantime, local authorities are testing a pilot program to introduce night bus routes, addressing gaps in late-night transport. Early data from the trial, released in May 2024, showed a 12% increase in ridership among students and shift workers, indicating potential for broader adoption.