KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he hopes a new bus service to Parliament which started today would encourage operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to utilise more minibuses.

Loke explained that the "Bas Parlimen" service utilises two smaller buses as larger and longer buses would find it difficult to manoeuvre the roads in the Parliament compound.

"The smaller buses are more efficient because they can take up to 30 passengers in small residential areas,” he said.

They would also be easier to move around in areas with narrow lanes and confined spaces, he added.

Loke said that he hopes this would help with the first and last-mile issues experienced by public transport services.

Previously since 1970s, Kuala Lumpur used to employ minibuses painted pink and white which could carry at least 20 to 30 passengers.

The services were discontinued in 1998 after bus services were taken over by private operator Intrakota, and later Prasarana Bhd's RapidKL.

Besides that, he said that announcements would be made soon regarding proposals provided by e-hailing issues on the first and last mile matter.

"What some of them are suggesting are share rights,” he said, adding that his ministry is currently trying to facilitate the accommodation of proposals.

The Bas Parlimen service is a free bus service for those attending Parliament during its sittings, including officials and media workers. It runs every day that the Parliament is in sitting.

the bus frequency will be every 30 minutes during peak hours (8 to 10am and 4.30 to 8pm), and every hour during non-peak hours (10am to 4.30pm).

The buses are provided by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd at a cost of RM800 per day for each bus.