World class mobile bus stop

KUALA LUMPUR: No more fretting under hot sun and in the rain to wait for the buses as public transport users can look forward to Malaysia’s unique innovation for bus stops to be introduced next month.
Instead of facing difficulty standing at the deserted bus stop flag pole, commuters will soon be waiting for the anticipated bus in an air-conditioned bus stop.
Thanks to Rapid Point, a makeshift mobile bus shelter invented by Rapid KL, public can utilise diligently of the precious time waiting for the bus via the Passenger Information System fitted inside the unit.
“While waiting for the bus to arrive, you can check emails or get connected to virtual world with Rapid Point’s WiFi facility. You can have coffee too at the cafe corner located inside this unique bus stop,” said Prasarana Malaysia Berhad group managing director Azmi Abdul Aziz.
He said the mobile unit was specifically designed to provide adequate bus shelter for the public transport users.
“This is one of our ideas to get more people to take up public transport including office executives,” said Azmi, adding that Rapid Point is also fitted with CCTV, charging points for mobile gadgets and portable toilets.
Dubbed as the first of its kind in the world, Rapid KL has revamped the 12-meter decommissioned buses into a 22-seater mobile bus shelter instead of shredding the old coaches into pieces.
“We took out the engine, recycle some of the parts and refurbished the interior so that it can benefit the public. It will also provide us with revenue from advertising space,” he said, adding that Rapid Point will be officially launched next month by Federal Territory Ministry.
It is learned that Rapid KL will also be transforming the 10-meter and 8-meter decommissioned buses into similar public transport facility and it will be deployed at bus stops with limited space around Klang Valley.
“This mobile unit can be transported to other suitable bus stop locations in short notice. We are currently liaising with City Hall and local councils in Klang Valley to identify the appropriate spots,” said Azmi.