Malaysia is now gearing up to fully reap the benefits of a rapid transition to digitisation brought about by the pandemic, with statistics proving that 80% of Malaysians today are active internet users, and 94% of those in the urban areas prefer digital transactions over traditional cash and cheques.
This development opens up new opportunities for the Malaysian industry, especially the transportation sector, to provide digital innovation and evolve with consumer needs.
In view of this development, the world’s largest bus e-ticketing platform, redBus, together with the Ministry of Transport is currently working to improve the way Malaysians travel by embracing the worldwide shift towards more efficient and sustainable travel solutions.
At the recent Malaysian Bus Operators Meet 2022, Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus led the discussion together with Krishnan Ramaswami, Senior VP – SEA Business of redBus, along with Dato Henry Sum Agong, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, outlining their comprehensive plans to this effect through a number of new products and how they will reshape the transportation sector in Malaysia.
“Our meeting with the country’s decision-makers was meant to outline the vision for the future of intercity bus transportation in Malaysia so that we can work hand-in-hand to adopt creative solutions for a sustainable future of this industry.
“Post-pandemic, we have noticed a clear trend of people preferring to purchase products and services online. The bus transport industry can greatly benefit by focusing on this affinity towards digital commerce prevalent today,” said Prakash at the meeting.
“The government is committed to moving people safely, efficiently and sustainably to improve the quality of life of Malaysians and support a competitive economy. To this effect, we welcome all efforts at reducing queues at bus counters and terminals, promoting contactless bookings and paperless travel, facilitating easy onboarding of passengers, and enabling multiple rides using a single purchase among others. We are pleased that redBus’s innovative plans demonstrate their commitment towards the safety and convenience of travellers and are aligned with what this government wants to achieve,” said deputy minister Henry.
redBus also discussed on some of their innovative solutions for the future of transportation in Malaysia, including a Bus Pass for bulk purchase of tickets, the launch of Ferry services for redBus customers, and last-minute bookings to enable emergency travel on short notice and paperless boarding tickets.
“More Malaysians are now confident and willing to use buses as their preferred mode of interstate transportation again, which is evident from the high demand for bus tickets during the recent Raya Aidiladha, which further cements our commitment towards providing a safer and more convenient travel experience to Malaysians,” said Krishnan.
