By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, May 24 — The appointment of Asia Mobiliti Technologies Sdn Bhd as one of Selangor’s two demand-responsive transit (DRT) service providers was made after a stringent process that included approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the firm, which operates Trek Rides, as well as Badan Bas Coach Sdn Bhd (which operates Mobi), were selected based on their experience in implementing the proof-of-concept (POC) for the project.
Ng said Asia Mobiliti and Badan Bas received POC approval from Apad on December 22, 2022, and February 24, 2023, respectively,
“Asia Mobility and Badan Bas were previously invited to make a presentation to the DRT Pilot Project Implementation Committee for consideration for appointment as the state’s DRT service operators, based on Apad’s approval and their experience in implementing the POC.
“The committee decided to appoint these two companies based on Apad’s approval at the time.
“This decision reflects the administration’s commitment to meeting regulatory standards and ensuring the safety of DRT service users,” he said in a statement today.
Ng said following this, a letter of intent was submitted to the two companies on June 15, 2023, with an appointment letter subsequently issued on September 20 the same year.
Yesterday, a user on social media site X raised questions about the appointment of Asia Mobiliti to operate the state’s DRT service.
It claimed the firm was linked to a Cabinet member, raising questions over the transparency of the appointment.
The DRT service is in its first phase under the Selangor Mobility initiative, which aims to address first-mile and last-mile connectivity to major public transport hubs, as well as focusing on narrow routes inaccessible by buses.
The pilot project, which received state approval in March last year, is being implemented by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) and regulated by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation.
The DRT Pilot Project Implementation Committee was established the same month.
Ng said under the first phase of the project, Asia Mobiliti has been permitted to operate the service in Ampang, Hulu Kelang, Puchong, and UPM-Serdang.
Badan Bas, meanwhile, will operate in Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya Utara, Petaling Jaya Selatan and Sungai Buloh.
