APAD Enforces Express Bus Operations Only at Licensed Terminals, Clarifies Regulatory Move
KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has clarified its enforcement actions regarding express bus operations, stressing that all services must operate only from approved terminals and transport hubs to ensure safety, order, and compliance with existing regulations.
APAD said the issue began last year when an express bus operator ceased its operations in central Kuala Lumpur following an instruction to comply with regulations requiring services to operate from government-licensed bus terminals. The directive is part of ongoing efforts to ensure more organised and safer express bus operations nationwide.
The agency also noted that in January 2026, Hotel Corus KLCC ended its cooperation with the operator due to a private redevelopment project at the site, which further impacted the operator’s previous arrangement.
To ease the transition, the government had granted a moratorium as a temporary facilitation measure, allowing operators time to relocate to licensed terminals. However, APAD said that after nearly five months, the operator involved had still not moved to any approved terminal or transport hub.
Following the expiry of the transition period, APAD issued enforcement instructions in May 2026 to ensure full compliance with regulations.
APAD strongly clarified that Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) has never been licensed or approved as a bus terminal or express bus hub. The agency said no permission had been issued for any such operations at the location.
It added that temporary operations at any site do not constitute official approval as a licensed terminal. APAD also confirmed that TRX management had never submitted any application to operate a bus terminal.
APAD said enforcement action starting 19 May 2026 against boarding and drop-off activities at unlicensed locations applies to all express bus operators without exception.
The policy aims to improve passenger safety, reduce traffic congestion in city centres—especially during festive seasons and peak travel periods—and ensure more efficient use of public transport infrastructure.
The agency stressed that roadside pick-up and drop-off activities at non-licensed locations pose serious safety risks to passengers and road users.
To ensure uninterrupted services, APAD said several approved locations have been designated as legal transport hubs, including Lalaport, IOI City Mall Putrajaya, and 1 Utama. Existing integrated terminals such as Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) and Terminal Bersepadu Gombak (TBG) are also available for operators.
APAD said these hubs provide proper facilities and public transport connectivity, allowing operators to continue services in a safe and structured environment.
The agency added that operators choosing not to use licensed facilities are doing so based on commercial considerations, not due to a lack of approved options.
APAD reaffirmed its readiness to engage with all express bus operators to ensure compliance with regulations and support a smooth transition to approved operating locations.
It also stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive, accessible, and well-regulated intercity transport network, noting that no single operator should dominate the market.
APAD concluded that centralising express bus operations at approved terminals would benefit both the industry and the public by improving safety, efficiency, and coordination in line with the government’s public transport agenda.