Budget 2027: New Kota Bharu ECRL bus station to ease congestion, improve connections

In Malaysia's Budget 2027, plans have been announced to construct a new bus station at the Kota Bharu East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) station. This initiative aims to improve public transport connectivity across Kelantan and ease congestion at the main bus terminal in Lembah Sireh. Laili Ismail, a committee member of Pembawa, expressed confidence that the integrated bus station will boost bus ridership by providing passengers with a seamless connection from ECRL to their final destinations, thus reducing reliance on private vehicles.

The new facility is also expected to alleviate congestion at the Lembah Sireh terminal during festive seasons and peak hours, when the number of trips daily can reach between 180 and 200. However, Laili stressed the importance of coordinating bus schedules with ECRL services to prevent long waits for passengers. Adequate amenities like comfortable waiting areas, ticket counters, designated pick-up and drop-off zones, and well-organized bus entry and exit routes must also be provided to ensure smooth operations.

Residents Ainy Md Yunos and Muhammad Bukhari Ab Ghaffar welcomed the development, emphasizing that it would make travel easier for those without personal vehicles and improve access to rural areas for more Kelantan residents.