By: Aida Aziz
TAIPING: The Electric Bus (EV) service by the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) has officially begun its public operations on August 1, following a three-month trial period that concluded on July 31.
The Mayor, Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir, stated that the bus route encompasses a heritage trail around the city of Taiping, stretching over a distance of 11.5 kilometres (km).
He further revealed that the electric bus service operates daily, including weekends, from Monday to Sunday, with three daily trips scheduled at 9 am, 11:30 am, and 3 pm.
“Today, the EV Bus service of MPT is open for paid reservations to the public starting from August 1. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter of Taiping Zoo & Night Safari, priced at RM20 for adults and RM10 for senior citizens, students, children, and disabled individuals (OKU).
“As an introductory offer, tickets are being sold at a 30 per cent discount until December 31, which means after the discount period, the ticket prices will be RM14 for adults and RM7 for senior citizens, students, children, and OKU,” he said.
The announcement was made during the launching ceremony of the EV Bus MPT Tickets, held here yesterday.
Khairul Amir added that each journey takes approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes, with tour guides onboard to provide explanations about the heritage sites along the route.
“The EV Bus MPT journey starts at Taiping Zoo & Night Safari and makes 10-minute stops at three locations: Raintree Walk, Menara Jam, and Taiping Municipal Gallery,” he elaborated.
It is worth noting that the electric bus can accommodate up to 22 passengers, including two spaces for OKU.
This initiative has been in the works since 2015, with collaboration from several local and foreign companies.
The bus runs entirely on electric power and was donated by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
