SHAH ALAM, 16 FEB: The bus terminal in Section 17, Shah Alam, will be upgraded with a variety of additional facilities to meet present needs and is estimated to be completed by the end of 2014.
Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture Exco, Rodziah Ismail said that the State Government decided to carry out the project with an allocation of RM10 million because the atmosphere of the area is discomforting to both bus users and operators.
According to her, the bus terminal which has been operational for more than 25 years is in dire need of upgrading because it is the focus of people from all over the country who use public transportation to travel to and fro from their destination.
“The bus terminal in Section 17 will be upgraded to drop off and pick up passengers. Among the facilities which will be provided are suraus, stalls, ticketing counters and a new waiting area.
“A police station will also be one of the components of the bus terminal which was decided by the State Government. The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) has been entrusted to operate the redevelopment of the terminal,” she said in a press conference here.
Rodziah said that the allocation for the revamp of the bus terminal was approved by the Selangor Economic Action Council (SEAC) on 16 February last year and the tender will be issued by MBSA in the nearest future.
She also said that the State Government took on the responsibility by rectifying the situation following repeated complaints from the public.
“Public transportation is a measure of the quality of life of Malaysians which is in actuality under the operation and management of the Federal Government.
“These are among the issues prioritised by The State Government and has become the further development phase which implemented when the people give continuous mandate in electing the future state and national leaders,” she said.
In the 2008 plan, the State Government planned to relocate the bus terminal to Glenmarie however, after taking into account the traffic route, a new, more suitable site was proposed, which is to upgrade the existing terminal.
The Vice President of the Section 17 Taxi and Rental Car Association, Hashim Othman explained that the proposed upgrading of the bus terminal is good as Shah Alam needs a public transportation stop centre which is comfortable and well equipped.
“There are more and more users from all over the country. Some have said that the bus terminal in Klang is larger and more modern.
“I feel that this proposal is wise because it (is located) in the city and has a high concentration of people,” he said.