Malaysians Are Relying More on Public Transport Than Before

A growing number of Malaysians are choosing buses, trains and other public transport options in 2025, reflecting renewed confidence in the nation’s public mobility network.

Prasarana Malaysia Berhad which operates Rapid KL buses and rail services across the Klang Valley and other urban centres, recorded a significant rise in ridership last year. The average daily number of passengers climbed to approximately 1.31 million, an 11% increase compared with 2024 figures.

The spike in usage culminated in a record‑high single‑day ridership of around 1.63 million on 31 December 2025, marking the busiest day in the company’s history.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted that improvements in service reliability have helped drive usage growth. Prasarana reported a sharp decline in rail service disruptions last year, cutting incidents by over 50% compared with 2024, a trend the ministry links to better maintenance and operational systems.

Public transport usage has also been supported by government initiatives designed to make commuting more affordable. One standout effort is the My50 unlimited travel pass, offering 30 days of unlimited bus and rail travel for just RM50 which has seen strong subscriptions and demonstrates heavy reliance on subsidised public mobility. The government recently confirmed it would continue backing the My50 scheme despite a temporary budget shortfall, citing its importance in encouraging sustained commuter uptake.

Despite the rising numbers, transport planners acknowledge that challenges remain. Delays in new projects such as the Shah Alam LRT line could temper growth in certain areas, and urban and regional transport experts urge continued improvements in connectivity and first‑mile/last‑mile solutions to support further increases in public transport usage. Efforts to modernise the bus fleet including the phased introduction of electric buses are also underway, aligning with broader goals to enhance comfort, reliability and environmental sustainability in public mobility.

Source: SAYS