Stage Bus Service Transformation


The Stage Bus Service Transformation programme, commonly branded as BAS.MY, is a government initiative launched by the Ministry of Transport of Malaysia to enhance public bus networks in key state capitals and urban areas outside the Klang Valley. The programme is regulated by the Land Public Transport Agency in Peninsular Malaysia, and the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board in Sabah and Sarawak.

History

The Stage Bus Service Transformation programme was first announced during the tabling of the 2015 Budget in October 2014. The initiative aimed for gradual implementation in Kangar, Seremban, Ipoh, and Kuala Terengganu.
The myBAS service commenced operations in Kangar on 1 August 2015, followed by Seremban on 15 November 2015, and Ipoh on 1 April 2016. Operations in Kuala Terengganu subsequently began on 1 March 2018.
The scheme was later expanded to other major cities. Johor Bahru launched its myBAS service on 31 March 2022. Subsequently, Melaka introduced its SBST service on 1 May 2024. These were the first services to implement contactless card payments via Visa and Mastercard, as well as the My50 unlimited bus pass for Malaysian citizens.

Rebranding to BAS.MY

In 2024, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced a comprehensive revamp of the SBST programme, rebranding it as BAS.MY. This rebranding involved a transition from the original blue-and-white livery to a standardized pink livery. The revamp also introduced digital fare payment methods via QR codes, alongside the implementation of the My50 unlimited pass and free travel passes for students, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Following the rebranding, the scheme was expanded to further cities in 2025:
  • Kuching, Sarawak: Launched on 5 March 2025, marking the first expansion of the SBST scheme to East Malaysia.
  • Kedah: Alor Setar received dedicated BAS.MY services on 1 June 2025, alongside Sungai Petani, which became the first non-capital town to be included in the scheme.
  • Kota Bharu, Kelantan: Services began on 1 August 2025, with BAS.MY taking over existing routes previously operated by Konsortium E-Mutiara under the Mutiara Rentas Desa brand.
  • Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Trial runs commenced on 10 October 2025.
  • Kuantan, Pahang: The scheme is scheduled to expand to Kuantan in December 2025, with selected routes extended into small part of Kemaman, replacing the Rapid Kuantan bus service.

    Operation

Public bus networks operating under the Stage Bus Service Transformation programme were established in the following cities:
Service NetworkCity and StateLaunch YearOperatorDescription
BAS.MY KangarKangar, Perlis2015MARA LinerNetwork includes connections to Alor Setar and northern Kedah.
BAS.MY SerembanSeremban, Negeri Sembilan2015Gopi Travel Tours, KR Travel & Tours, Southern Omnibus, UnitedbasCoverage extends to other towns including Nilai, Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Jelebu, and Bahau.
BAS.MY IpohIpoh, Perak2016Perak TransitRoutes cover Kuala Kangsar and Seri Iskandar; expanded to Kampar following the BAS.MY rebranding.
BAS.MY Kuala TerengganuKuala Terengganu, Terengganu2018MARA LinerIncludes coverage for Marang and Kuala Berang.
BAS.MY Johor BahruJohor Bahru, Johor2022Handal Indah, Transit Link, Maju, S&S InternationalTook over original trunk routes from respective operators, extending to Kota Tinggi, Pontian, and Kulai. First city in the scheme to accept Visa/Mastercard payments and the My50 pass.
BAS.MY MelakaMelaka2024Handal Indah, MARA LinerReplaced statewide trunk routes formerly operated by Panorama Melaka. First city to officially launch with the BAS.MY branding.
BAS.MY KuchingKuching, Sarawak2025Biramas Express First East Malaysian city to implement the service. Routes extend to Serian, Bau, and Kota Samarahan.
BAS.MY Kota SetarAlor Setar and Sungai Petani, Kedah2025Gopi Travel ToursDedicated services covering major urban areas in Kedah.
BAS.MY Kota BharuKota Bharu, Kelantan2025Konsortium E-MutiaraReplaced trunk routes previously operated under the Mutiara Rentas Desa brand.
BAS.MY Kota KinabaluKota Kinabalu, Sabah2025Jaguh Bayu Currently in trial phase.
BAS.MY KuantanKuantan, Pahang2025Sanwa ToursConnecting Kuantan to its suburbs and surrounding towns including Gambang, Sungai Lembing, Pekan and Kuala Pahang.