Muhammad Yazurin and Mak signing the agreement, witnessed by, from left, Gemilang executive director Pang Jun Jie, Volvo Buses Apac Central director Marishya Wilhelmina, Volvo Buses Asia-Pacific vice-president Mats Nilsson and Embassy of Sweden deputy head of mission Robert Lejon.
He said the trial operation is targeted to begin in July and is expected to last six months to a year. One unit of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range electric bus will run on Route 581, which is the Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan trip. “As of the instruction of the transport ministry, Rapid Bus’ last purchase of diesel-powered buses is the final batch before electric vehicle buses start to be implemented and according to the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the company is implementing this initiative towards the government’s direction. The plan for Rapid Bus to be full-EV will happen before 2027,” he added.
Muhammad Yazurin said that within the company’s own buses implemented since 2017, Rapid Bus’ savings appeared to be significantly improved, nearly 30% of its savings. Costs from the government towards the company are reduced massively, in terms of powering up buses.