Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) is gearing up for a surge in passengers this Chinese New Year, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke projecting 30,000 to 40,000 travelers per day and about 1,000 express bus trips daily during the peak period.
To ensure smoother operations, Loke said TBS has rolled out several enhancements, including QR code ticketing to reduce long queues and upgraded facilities to improve passenger comfort. He emphasized that these measures aim to minimise congestion and make travel safer and more efficient during the festive season.
A key improvement addresses previous frustrations with QR code ticketing.
“Before, passengers who purchased tickets through online travel agents (OTAs) or ticketing terminals had to queue at TBS to exchange their QR codes before boarding. Starting this February, passengers buying tickets via OTAs will no longer need to exchange QR codes upon arrival,” Loke explained after a media walkabout at the terminal.
Passengers who purchased tickets without QR codes earlier can now generate them online via the TBS website, eliminating the need to queue. The QR code acts like a boarding pass, granting access to departure gates modeled after airport boarding areas, with a nominal RM1 operational fee.
Loke added that some counters will remain at TBS to assist passengers who haven’t generated QR codes, but the aim is to encourage more travelers to use the online system.
“Public feedback indicated that some passengers mistakenly thought they could board with just a ticket. The QR code system streamlines access to departure gates, and the online process makes it easier for everyone,” he said.
In addition, TBS operators have been instructed to improve terminal facilities following complaints about non-functioning escalators, lifts, and unclean restrooms. Loke stressed that maintaining basic service standards is mandatory, as passengers pay service charges and expect a clean, comfortable environment.
