According to data from redBus, the worldโs largest bus ticketing platform, the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus route, with a 52 percent uptick in passenger numbers. This pattern highlights a growing trend in intercity bus travel in the region.
The Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands bus route has experienced a remarkable 70.7 percent increase in passenger traffic in 2023, making it the most rapidly growing bus route in terms of popularity, compared to the previous year. This significant rise underscores the route’s appeal among travelers seeking leisure and entertainment. This surge was closely followed by the Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan route, which saw a 54 percent increase followed by Kuala Lumpur to Singapore bus route booking seeing a 52% increase.
Additionally, the top three destinations visited by ferry in 2023 were Tioman Island, Batam, and Perhentian Island. These islands are known for their pristine beaches and have long been popular among tourists for their natural beauty and recreational activities.
Krishnan Ramaswami, the Chief Business Officer of redBus, noted that the platform has seen a 60 percent year-on-year increase in bus and ferry ticket sales in 2023. He stated that this growth is indicative of a broader trend towards planning and booking travel tickets online, with many passengers booking their tickets at least one to three days in advance. He stated that the increase was also due to company innovations to meet the needs of Malaysian passengers for a more convenient and reliable travel experience. The redBus platform expects technology innovations in the bus industry to continue playing a significant role, with users seeking more widespread use of QR code scanning. The technology allows for easier, faster travel and offers an alternative to physical tickets. In 2023, redBus Malaysia enabled passengers to board buses by scanning QR codes on their mobile phones, providing additional convenience and security.
Ramaswami highlighted the increasing willingness of passengers to opt for luxury bus tickets, a shift from previous years. He emphasized that partnerships between local bus and ferry operators with platforms like redBus have been instrumental in driving this growth. Looking ahead to 2024, Ramaswami predicts that cultural travel will gain more prominence, aligning with Tourism Malaysia’s Strategic Plan to promote diverse tourism experiences in Malaysia. He anticipates a shift from large-scale tourism to more flexible and personalized travel experiences, including adventure tourism and special vacations.
With the ease of online booking, user-friendly app interfaces, and excellent customer service, platforms like redBus are set to continue shaping the future of transport in Singapore and Malaysia.
