Sarawak Free School Bus Program — Reducing Traffic Congestion & Lightening Parents’ Burden
The Sarawak government has recently launched a free school bus service, transporting students directly from home to school. According to TVS reports, the initiative aims to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion while easing parents’ financial pressure, making school commutes safer and more convenient for children.
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Project Highlights
Service Overview
• Lead Authority: Sarawak Government
• Project Name: Smart Bus Service
• Target Users: Primary and secondary school students
• Operation Mode: Direct home-to-school pick-up and drop-off, safe and reliable
• Facilities: Real-time tracking system, allowing parents to monitor their children’s journey anytime
• Financial Arrangement: Government fully covers the cost of bus purchase and operations
• Objective: Reduce private vehicle use, save fuel and time, and improve traffic efficiency
• Potential Expansion: Can be extended to other areas as a primary school transport option
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Reducing Traffic Congestion
• First pilot covers Jalan Stapok and surrounding areas
• Includes Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Maong and SJK Chung Hua No.6
• Statistics from the tracking system show a noticeable reduction in private vehicles on these roads after bus operations began
Enhancing Safety & Parent Confidence
• Buses equipped with real-time tracking
• Parents can monitor their child’s journey via smartphone
• Bus drivers and attendants receive professional training to ensure safety
Saving Costs & Resources
• Parents no longer need to drive their children, saving fuel and time
• Families may only need one car for other purposes
• Encourages the use of public transport, supporting low-carbon city development
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Development & Expansion Plans
Tailored Approach
• Urban areas: school buses to reduce traffic congestion
• Remote or low-traffic areas: bicycles or other flexible modes may be used
• Example: In towns like Daro, bicycles remain a practical commuting option
Future Outlook
• Expand the Smart Bus network across the state
• Create a safe, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient student transport system
• Further reduce parental burden and improve access to education
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Strategic Significance
1. Improve morning and evening peak traffic conditions
2. Reduce parental commuting burden, saving money and time
3. Ensure student travel safety
4. Promote public transport usage and support low-carbon cities
5. Provide a scalable model for state-wide expansion
6. Boost parent confidence in schools and the education system
7. Optimize integration of urban traffic and education resources
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📍 Smart Bus Service is More Than Just a School Bus
It is an innovative public service, a smart mobility solution, and a lifestyle that gives parents peace of mind while keeping students safe. From home to school, from cities to remote areas, it shapes the future of education and transportation in Sarawak.
Do you think Sarawak’s free school bus program will become the new “must-have” for parents and students?
