06/11/2025
Malaysia’s intercity transport system is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the one-month suspension of Aeroline in November 2025, another leading operator, Firstcoach, announced that all departures from Bangsar, 1Utama, and Subang Parade will be relocated to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) starting 11 November 2025, in compliance with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) directive.
This change emphasizes centralized safety and regulation, while raising important considerations about traveller convenience, city access, and tourism flow — particularly for Singaporean visitors, business travellers, and group tours who prefer city-centre access and shopping destinations like Berjaya Times Square and Bukit Bintang.
⚙️ 1. TBS as the National Intercity Hub
TBS is Malaysia’s primary intercity terminal, offering:
Direct connections to KTM Komuter, LRT, and KLIA Transit (ERL)
Easy highway access to southern and northern destinations
Organized platforms for large-scale coach operations
Centralizing express bus operations at TBS ensures efficient safety inspections, ticket regulation, and operational monitoring, while helping to reduce city-centre congestion.
🛑 2. The Aeroline One-Month Suspension Triggered Industry-Wide Change
The one-month Aeroline suspension in November 2025 revealed vulnerabilities in city-centre bus departures. Subsequently, Firstcoach relocated all Kuala Lumpur departures to TBS.
“Effective from 11th November 2025, all Firstcoach trips from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore will depart from TBS to Novena and Star Vista respectively. Our offices in Bangsar, 1Utama, and Subang Parade remain open to assist customers with enquiries, refunds, or rescheduling.”
All express bus operators must now operate from TBS, ensuring safety, oversight, and compliance with APAD regulations.
🏙️ 3. City-Centre Convenience for Singaporean and Business Travellers
Singaporean tourists and business travellers often prefer Berjaya Times Square and Bukit Bintang:
Berjaya Times Square – a major shopping and entertainment hub in the city centre
Bukit Bintang – a unique district where the past dances with the present, letting visitors feel the pulse of Kuala Lumpur while exploring shops, dining, and culture
Passengers travelling from TBS to Berjaya Times Square or Bukit Bintang can take:
KLIA Transit or LRT + Monorail (via Bandar Tasik Selatan → KL Sentral → Imbi/Monorail), costing around RM5–RM6 per person, ~20–25 minutes
Taxi or ride-hailing services (Grab/Maxim), costing RM35–RM45, ~15–20 minutes depending on traffic
Important: Express bus passengers cannot be dropped off at Berjaya Times Square or Bukit Bintang. All express bus arrivals and departures must use TBS. Direct city-centre drop-offs are available only for group tours and private coaches.
Additional point: Taking a flight from KLIA/KLIA2 (~50–60 km from the city centre) is farther than TBS (~25 km from Berjaya Times Square), making express bus travel a more convenient city-proximate option.
🧳 4. Group Tour and Private Buses Remain Flexible
Unlike express buses, group tours and private coaches are not restricted by the TBS directive. They can:
Pick up and drop off passengers anywhere, including city hotels, Berjaya Times Square, or Bukit Bintang
Offer door-to-door service for tourists and business groups
Maintain convenience, comfort, and itinerary flexibility
This ensures tour operators and private groups enjoy full flexibility while express bus operations remain centralized at TBS.
🚆 5. The Importance of Connectivity
While TBS is well-connected via rail and highway networks, last-mile travel is essential for tourists, business travellers, and groups.
Express bus passengers must adhere to TBS centralization rules
Group tours and private buses can enjoy direct city-centre drop-offs, improving traveller comfort and accessibility
Shuttle services, ride-hailing options, and real-time bus updates can further enhance passenger experience.
💰 6. Economic and Operational Considerations
Centralizing express bus departures to TBS improves operational efficiency and ensures regulatory compliance, though it shifts foot traffic from city departure points like Bangsar, 1Utama, and Subang Parade.
Group tours and private coaches continue to support city-centre tourism, shopping, and business activity, helping maintain economic activity while keeping the intercity network efficient, safe, and sustainable.
✅ Conclusion: Efficient, Safe, and Tourist-Friendly
The Aeroline suspension in November 2025, followed by Firstcoach relocation to TBS, demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to regulated, centralized transport operations.
Express bus passengers, including business travellers, must use TBS; city-centre drop-offs at Berjaya Times Square or Bukit Bintang are not allowed
Group tours and private coaches retain full flexibility, including Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang, and hotel door-step pick-ups/drop-offs
Compared to KLIA/KLIA2 (~50–60 km from city centre), TBS (~25 km from Berjaya Times Square) offers a closer and more convenient hub for intercity travel
Balancing TBS centralization, tourist and business convenience, and urban traffic management ensures Malaysia’s intercity bus system is safe, efficient, and well-organized — for both express passengers and private charter travellers.
https://www.govtl.com/why-all-transport-routes-should-stay-connected-to-tbs-balancing-efficiency-tourism-and-city-access/
