MELAKA: Electric stage buses will ply the streets of Melaka beginning January, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
He said state government subsidiary, Panorama Melaka Sdn Bhd which would manage the service pending approval by the authorities such as the Land Public Transport Commission, was in the process of completing the last stage of its study to identify suitable routes and reasonable fare rates.
Compared to diesel-run buses, electric buses would save costs in maintenance and a means to cushion rising fuel prices, according to him. “The initial cost involved is substantial but we believe we would derive long term returns from it,” Idris said here yesterday.
Earlier, he spent about 20 minutes test driving an electric bus around the Melaka International Trade Centre with other senior state government officers including State Secretary Datuk Naim Abu Bakar.
The electric bus can go a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour, accommodate 35 passengers and sustain about 400 kilometres before needing a recharge. — Bernama