E-hailing services are becoming increasingly expensive, and buses typically require long waits. Fortunately, RapidKL has introduced the Rapid Bus Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) van service, offering safe and quick direct transport to popular hotspots in the Klang Valley.

Advantages

According to MyRapid’s website, the service promises to be cheap, comfortable, easy, efficient, flexible, and cost-efficient. According to the Rapid Bus chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij Muhammad Yasin, the Rapid DRT functions like an e-hailing vehicle, albeit with much fewer location choices.

The service lets you know when the vehicle is coming upon booking and the estimated time. Therefore, you can book the van before reaching your stop so that you can travel immediately upon arriving. According to Rapid Bus’ studies, the average waiting time is less than five minutes.

Each van has a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, excluding the driver, and is equipped with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and a tracking system to enhance security. DRT vans are also operated by trained drivers who adhere to higher safety standards

Take note that you have to download specific applications according to the routes including:

These are the locations where the service is available:

Here’s how to use it with the Kumpool app as an example.

Download the app.
Start booking.
Choose your preferred pick-up and drop-off point according to the zone.

Confirm booking.
You can book for later or wait for your driver at the selected pick-up point.
Make your payment.

Operation times: 6.00 am to 11.30 pm

Fare & Payment Methods

Only RM1 per trip/RM50 monthly using the following:

My50
Kad Touch ‘n Go
OKU SMILE
Pas MyCity 1 Hari & 3 Hari
Kad Konsesi MyRapid
Pas Famili

An open payment system allowing the use of debit or credit cards to make payments is also underway.

What to know

As reported by The Star, some 300 new vans will be procured to enhance the DRT services. As of 31 July 2024, 126,656 consumers have used this service as of July 31 of this year with 20 vans currently in service. There are presently nine corridors in the Klang Valley serviced by the Rapid DRT and one route in Penang. According to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the number of routes will be gradually increase once the vans arrive in stages.

Prasarana also plans to expand to cover areas without rail or bus services which will provide residents there with an added service. Kuala Kubu Baharu in Selangor will be one of the locations to receive this service by next year.

Sounds like a great service! Let us know if you try it out in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: tirachardz on Freepik, myrapid.com.my