SBST Melaka

SBST Melaka is a scheme to enhance local bus services in Malacca City, Malaysia, under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme implemented by the Federal Government.

The scheme, implemented on 1 May 2024, rebranded existing stage bus services in Malacca City under a unified SBST Melaka identity. Improvements included improved bus intervals, cashless payment (via Manjalink card / mobile app), and a mobile app with live bus timings (LUGO app). The majority of bus routes now operate at hourly intervals or better.

Causeway Link is appointed as the main operator for the SBST Melacca bus network, with Panorama Melaka and Maraliner assisting with the operation of several routes.

Route List

Bus information and estimated arrival times are available on the Causeway Link website and the LUGO mobile app.

Panorama Melaka operates routes T23, T30, T31, T32, T33, and Maraliner operates T22. The remaining routes are operated by Causeway Link.

Panorama Melaka continues to operate the following routes out of Melacca:

• 6A: Melaka Sentral– Muar (via Sungai Rambai)
• 8: Melaka Sentral– Tangkak (via Jasin)

Bus Timings

Last Updated 1 June 2024.

Intermediate Changes

• [17 May 2024]: Services T20X and T21X introduced as early morning trips of Services T20 and T21. One trip each is operated from Alor Gajah towards Melacca at 6am daily [Link]
• [1 June 2024]: Service T10 split into T10A and T10C; with T10 serving Batu Berendam and T10C serving Bukit Beruang.

Fares

SBST Melaka services accept fare payments in cash. For cashless payment modes, buses accept the Manjalink transit card, or the ManjaPay platform (accessed within the LUGO mobile app).

Framework

The Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, established by the Malaysian government in 2012, subsidises local bus services in Malaysian towns (also known as stage bus services) that would otherwise be unprofitable for local bus operators. Existing towns which have implemented this include Kangar, Seremban, Kuala Terengganu, Ipoh, and Johor Bahru.

The programme operates on a ‘gross-cost model’ where a network operator (i.e. Causeway Link in Melaka / Johor Bahru) is appointed to operate the route network. The Government regulates the fares, coverage, service level and operating standards of the SBST routes.

Each bus in this program is equipped with an Electronic Ticket System integrated with GPS, making it easier for passengers to purchase tickets, and allowing the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to monitor the service. APAD tracks three key performance indicators: availability, punctuality, and reliability. Payment to the network operator is based on the kilometres travelled, and penalties are imposed for non-compliance with the KPIs.

In Melaka, the SBST programme aims to improve operations on 15 existing bus routes and introduce two new routes in the city centre. Service frequency will be 20-30 minutes for feeder routes, 60 minutes for medium-high demand main routes, and 120 minutes for rural routes. The fleet will be expanded by up to 48 buses, including more user-friendly low-floor electric buses and minibuses for urban areas. The government also plans to introduce the myBAS Unlimited Travel Pass under the SBST Melaka program.

In a written reply to a parliamentary question filed by MP Khoo Poay Tiong, the government estimated the implementation cost of SBST Melaka to be RM17.6 million per year.

Bus Gallery

External Links & References

• SBST Melaka | Facebook
• Enquiry: Planning for the Stop-Stop Bus Service Transformation Programme (SBST) in Melaka – Khoo Poay Tiong – Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka
• SBST: Melaka improves hours, domestic bus routes (melakahariini.my)
• (DIKEMASKINI) Panorama Melaka tambah bilangan bas tahun hadapan (melakahariini.my)
• Panorama Melaka among the country’s three best public bus operators (melakahariini.my)
• Routes & Schedules | Panorama Melaka