Selangor to Expand DRT Services Following Successful Pilot Project

SHAH ALAM, April 28 — Selangor is moving forward with plans to expand its demand-responsive transit (DRT) services, following a successful pilot phase that recorded 73,389 users across eight zones. A new tender process is currently underway.

“For now, our focus is on enhancing the demand-responsive transit service to offer better first- and last-mile connectivity,” said Selangor’s state investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han, as quoted by The Star today. He referred to the service by its initials, DRT.

Ng added that the state is currently "evaluating request for proposal (RFP) submissions from potential DRT providers" and aims to "relaunch the service within the next three months."

During the RFP period, DRT providers will not operate under the Selangor Mobility programme but may continue based on their individual business models. Previously, Trek Rides and Mobi were the two DRT operators under the Selangor Mobility initiative.

Ng also noted that the Keramat Zone — covering areas such as Kampung Melayu Ampang and SMK Dato’ Ahmad Razali — had demonstrated ongoing demand for DRT services after the pilot. "The (DRT) vans are well-suited to serve locations like SMK Dato’ Ahmad Razali and Kampung Melayu Ampang, where narrow roads pose challenges for larger vehicles," he said.

To enhance student access and safety, Ng officiated the launch of a new covered walkway at SMK Dato’ Ahmad Razali. The structure, built by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) with a RM1.15 million allocation from the state, also includes a second walkway in Bukit Indah and two new bus stops. "This area was one of the zones covered during the DRT pilot project, known as the Keramat Zone," he said.

Separately, Ng shared that the free Smart Selangor bus service has carried over 76 million passengers since its inception in 2015. “Currently, the Smart Selangor bus service operates across 59 routes, with 54 of them serving 252 schools — accounting for 26 per cent of all schools in the state,” he said.

He added that any further expansion of bus routes would be based on commuter demand.