On the Move: Malaysians Embrace Public Transport Once Again

There is a quiet rhythm in city life that often goes unnoticed — the swish of train doors, the gentle hum of a bus gliding along its route, the tap of a commuter card. In Malaysia, that rhythm is becoming more pronounced, signaling a subtle but meaningful change: more Malaysians are choosing public transport over private vehicles.

In 2025, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the operator of many of the nation’s bus and rail services, reported that average daily ridership reached approximately 1.31 million passengers, marking an 11 per cent increase from the previous year. On 31 December 2025, the country recorded a single-day peak of 1.63 million passengers, highlighting a growing confidence in buses and rail systems.

Experts see this trend as a positive indicator for both urban mobility and environmental sustainability. Associate Professor Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Research Centre noted that rising ridership reflects increased trust in the reliability and accessibility of public transport, as well as a societal shift toward reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

Commuters themselves cite tangible improvements as a reason to make the switch. Rail service disruptions have declined sharply, boosting reliability and commuter confidence. Meanwhile, ongoing investments in infrastructure — such as dedicated bus lanes, system electrification, and expanded walkways — aim to make public transport even more convenient and appealing.

Beyond practical benefits, the rise in ridership signals a broader cultural shift. Shared transport not only reduces the number of private vehicles on congested roads but also fosters a sense of community, connecting people across workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. It demonstrates that when public systems are reliable and accessible, they can reshape daily life and urban landscapes.

While challenges remain — including completing delayed projects such as the Shah Alam LRT line — the trend points to a future where Malaysia’s cities are defined not just by roads and cars, but by efficient, shared, and sustainable mobility. In every swish of train doors and bus engines, there is a story of change, of collective trust, and of a nation gradually moving together.

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Sources The Star — Rising public transport ridership a positive trend for M’sia’. The Star — Prasarana ridership up 11% in 2025 with highest daily record at 1.63 million. Malay Mail — Prasarana cuts rail disruptions by over half in 2025 as services show improvement. NST — Malaysia sees steady growth in public transport use. Varnam Malaysia — Public transport usage rises in 2025.