KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 — The Malaysian government is strengthening efforts to address first-mile and last-mile connectivity issues, a key factor affecting public adoption of rail-based public transport such as MRT and LRT systems.

Responding to a parliamentary question from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, the Ministry of Transport said the initiative is aligned with the National Transport Policy 2019–2030, which prioritises the development of an integrated and well-connected public transport network.

The ministry said improving first-mile and last-mile access to transit stations and transport hubs remains a core focus to make public transport more convenient and efficient for users.

As part of this effort, the ministry is currently implementing a Proof of Concept (POC) for Bus On-Demand (BOD) services. The service is a form of demand-responsive transit (DRT) that operates through mobile app-based bookings without fixed schedules or routes, but within approved operating zones.

The service typically uses smaller vehicles such as minibuses, coasters and vans to better serve short-distance feeder routes linking commuters to major transit stations.

For the first quarter of 2026, four operators were providing Bus On-Demand services in Peninsular Malaysia, involving 968 vehicles across 123 approved operating zones.

During the period, the service recorded 1.16 million trip bookings, serving 1.37 million passengers.

The ministry said that in addition to the ongoing pilot programme for Bus On-Demand services, the government is also strengthening e-hailing and taxi services through regulatory and operational improvements to ensure they remain viable first-mile and last-mile transport options.

It added that these initiatives form part of broader efforts to improve public transport accessibility and encourage greater use of rail-based systems by addressing connectivity gaps between residential areas and transit stations.