Terminal Bersepadu Selatan expects 175,000 passengers over Deepavali travel period, up 20pc

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) anticipates receiving approximately 175,000 passengers during this year's Deepavali festive season, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the same period last year. TMAS Sdn Bhd CEO Shazwan Mohammad disclosed that this figure is projected for a seven-day period commencing from yesterday until November 11, with an average of around 25,000 passengers daily.

To ensure seamless operations, TBS plans to augment its workforce, including hiring part-time staff to bolster terminal efficiency. Additionally, Shazwan informed media at a session with Bernama that online ticket agents (OTAs) are requested to contribute personnel to aid passengers who buy tickets through their respective platforms.

The terminal also anticipates a total of 10,000 bus departures and more than 4,000 bus arrivals throughout the festive period, attributing the surge in demand to school holidays and the influx of foreign tourists purchasing tickets at the last minute. Routes to the East Coast are particularly sought after, with some ticket destinations already sold out.

TBS emphasizes that all ticket sales and travel updates must adhere to the new Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) policy, enacted on November 1, without impacting online purchases. Daily ticket sales on regular days average 18,000, with 4,000 tickets sold via the terminal's portal and the remainder through external platforms. Shazwan cautioned passengers who procure tickets through OTAs to ensure they receive a QR-coded boarding pass for terminal entry and bus boarding.

In instances where QR codes are absent, passengers must contact the OTA for boarding pass acquisition, which could entail delays if travel information has not been entered into the terminal's system. He recommends purchasing tickets via the TBS app or website and the terminal's ticket kiosks and advises passengers to arrive earlier during the festive season, considering traffic congestion, terminal crowding, and the additional time required to finalize boarding pass procedures, particularly for those without QR codes.