In addition to the core route bus network, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) is exploring a new approach to public transport and plan to launch a Demand Responsive Transit system. These are bus routes that do not have fixed routes, but are instead based on the demand of the ridership.

The latest updates on public bus services was shared by Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha during the 10th day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Thursday, in response to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee.

The minister also revealed that the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the public bus services is currently ongoing, with two companies identified for further negotiations.

He said, “There have been some local or public ideas that have been brought forward on public bus services and we have discussed with the companies to reach out to those individuals when the time is right to gather any feedback or suggestions.”

On the Brunei International Airport, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said, “The ministry has also taken into account Yang Berhormat’s suggestion regarding how the Brunei International Airport can promote local products. There have previously been retailers promoting local products, and they have received positive responses.”

He added, “Insya Allah, as per the suggestion to collaborate with the BEDB (Brunei Economic Development Board), we will look into how we can place these locall products for promotion at the airport. We hope to follow up on this soon.”

Regarding the developments at the airport raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub, the minister shared that under the MTIC’s Strategic Plan, there are plans to enhance the number of passengers and cargo passing through the International Airport. The target is set to achieve more than two million passengers passing through the International Airport by 2030, as well as 38,000 tonnes of air cargo passing through Brunei International Airport.

In supporting these efforts, he said, “His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the establishment of the Civil Aviation Steering Committee, also known as the Aviation Co. This committee will be chaired by the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, along with myself, to explore opportunities to develop Brunei International Airport, including the aspects related to the corporatisation of airport management and control. A Low-Cost Carrier Committee has also been established which will look into opportunities for the establishment of a low-cost carrier to operate at our airport.”

(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)