In a revealing annual report by redBus, the worldโs largest bus ticketing platform, Tuesdays have emerged as the preferred day for travelers exploring Malaysian cities by taking a bus journey. The report, highlighting key travel patterns of Malaysian bus and ferry users in 2023, indicates a significant 60 percent increase in sales of bus and ferry seats compared to 2022.
The data reveals that Malaysians generally book their bus journeys 1 to 3 days before traveling. This behavior, combined with a growing preference for luxury bus tickets, signifies a shift in travel trends. Krishnan Ramaswami, Chief Business Officer at redBus, emphasized the platform’s role in adapting to these evolving traveler needs, offering convenience and reliability in modern transportation.
Key insights from the report include:
- Top bus destinations for bus journey: Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Kuantan, and Kota Bharu.
- Routes with the highest growth: Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur, and Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.
- Top ferry destinations: Tioman Island, Batam, and Perhentian Island.
- Preferred travel times: 10 PM for buses, 11 AM for ferries.
- Thursday marked the busiest day for travel, while Tuesday was the least busy.
- Peak bus travel periods for bus journey: Highest ridership during Deepavali, Term 1 School Holidays, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and the Year-end Holiday.
- Essential amenities: Passengers valued charging points and M-tickets on buses.
- Extensive network: Over 5,500 bus and ferry routes operated by more than 170 providers in 2023.
- Record travel date: The busiest day for bus travel was November 10, aligning with Deepavali.
- Ticket flexibility: About 5% of redBus users rescheduled or canceled tickets to suit their changing plans
The report also highlights the importance of online booking, user-friendly app experiences, and exceptional customer service in attracting customers. Additionally, it predicts consistent travel patterns into 2024, driven by special events, weekends, and holidays. The redBus report provides valuable insights into Malaysian travel preferences and emerging trends in the transportation sector.
To explore the above destinations in 2024, head on over to redBus, Singapore and be a part of the growing redBus traveller community! If you are specifically looking out to explore Batam islands, redBus.sg has partnered with the top operators like Majestic Ferry, Batam Fast and Sindo Ferry that ply regular ferry services from Singapore to Batam.
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