KUALA LUMPUR: Passengers are calling for more convenient bus routes as they face disruptions from the temporary suspension of Aeroline coach services.
Checks by the New Straits Times found that passengers were still arriving and boarding buses at one of its stops, despite the announcement of the service suspension.
Regular travellers expressed disappointment over the upcoming service freeze, emphasising Aeroline’s reputation for convenience and comfort, particularly compared with the larger, more crowded terminals.
Belinder Kaur, said she and her companion, Parveen Chahel, were heading to Penang via Aeroline and praised the operator’s punctuality and direct-route service.
Belinder said the existing Aeroline boarding points feel safer and less chaotic than the larger hubs.
“TBS is always congested and packed with people. It’s too complicated, especially for elderly passengers like us,” she said.
“It’s so easy here; you can just take a Grab directly to the terminal without dragging your bags through crowded stations like Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or KL Sentral,” Parveen added.
Angie, a frequent traveller between Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Penang with her family, echoed the sentiment.
She highlighted Aeroline’s onboard amenities, including toilets, complimentary meals and beverages, as ideal for senior passengers.
“Even if the price is slightly higher, it’s worth it.
“For seniors, it’s truly a stress-free journey,” she said.
She warned that if the switch to TBS proceeds, she might stop using Aeroline and opt for the ETS train or flights instead.
Nazurah Hanis Mohamad Anuar, a customer care officer at one of the Aeroline terminals for over a decade, expressed concern for both staff and passengers.
“Right now, I feel mixed emotions.
“I’m unhappy about the decision because it’s going to affect us a lot,” she said, noting that roles such as drivers and attendants could lose work during the suspension period.
Refunds have already commenced at various counters, including those in Singapore.
The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) recently announced that Aeroline will halt all scheduled trips from Nov 6 to Dec 5, 2025.
The directive comes after APAD issued three show-cause letters to Aeroline between March 13 and Oct 10, 2025, for operating from unapproved terminals.
It has defended the suspension as necessary to safeguard passenger safety, reduce traffic congestion in city centres and uphold regulation of public transport services.
Aeroline has offered travellers the choice of a full refund or a valid ticket for later travel and is appealing the suspension decision.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
