Senadin resident Dolfina Awang, 24, said the bus had become particularly important to her family as her mother does not drive.

She said they usually took the bus from Senadin to Miri Market to buy groceries and for leisure activities.

“The service has been very helpful to my mother who does not know how to drive.

“The bus is basically the only form of transportation she can use when she wants to go out,” she told The Borneo Post here when met yesterday.

Dolfina said the service provided an affordable and accessible transport option for families without their own vehicles.

However, she hoped the punctuality and seating capacity of the buses could be improved.

“Maybe more seats could be added,” she pointed out.

Despite the occasional delays, Dolfina said the service should continue as it remained an important transport option for the community.

Meanwhile, Ubong Ingan, 47, from a rural area outside Miri, said the bus was particularly useful whenever she came into the city for medical appointments.

“I mainly rely on the service to travel to the hospital for medical check-ups.

“The service is very beneficial because it is free and easy to use. We can also check the bus system through its app, which makes it more convenient,” she said.

For 18-year-old Felix Ridzuan Tingang, the Miri Smart City Bus offered a practical way for young people to travel around the city without depending on private vehicles.

“I use the bus frequently, particularly when travelling to the city centre and other areas covered by its routes.

“The service makes it easier for me and my family to move around. It also reduces our dependence on cars or motorcycles,” he said.

Felix, however, suggested expanding the routes to cover more residential areas and key locations, and also providing clearer schedules and real-time information on bus locations.

“The free bus service benefits the community, particularly by reducing transportation costs and making it easier for people to move around,” he said.

Meanwhile, Miri Belait Transport Co Sdn Bhd and Miri City Bus Sdn Bhd manager Kiew Toh Hee said the management welcomed public feedback, but he also urged members of the public to channel their concerns directly to the bus office so that the management could assess and respond to them accordingly.

“We also have to look after the welfare of our drivers as well as the safety and comfort of the passengers.

“So, if there are any complaints, we encourage the public to bring them directly to the bus office so that we can look into them properly,” he said.

Credits: Rachel Purai Lihan, The Borneo Post 2026