Medan Kidd to be redeveloped to improve public transport system

Almost complete: The RM38mil terminal is about 90% complete and is expected to be operational in mid-June.

A PLAN is in the pipeline to redevelop Medan Kidd in Ipoh to improve the public transportation system.

Perak Transit executive chairman Mohamad Mat Isa said the area around the rundown Medan Kidd bus station and the Ipoh railway station would be redeveloped, to ensure better service for locals and tourists.

“We are planning to build covered walkways between the bus station and railway station.

Mohamad added that the Medan Kidd bus station would be demolished to make way for a new structure under the whole project themed “Ipoh Central”.

“Everything is still at the early stages,” he said, adding that the cost for the whole project has yet to be determined.

“We will also build shophouses for food and souvenir traders,” he said after visiting the new RM38mil Ipoh Integrated Bus Terminal and Complex with state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon in Bandar Meru Raya, recently.

Dr Mah said the inter-city Ipoh Integrated Bus Terminal and Complex was now 90% complete.

“It is expected to be completed ahead of schedule and operational by mid-June,” Dr Mah added.

The three-storey terminal and complex by Combined Bus Services Sdn Bhd (CBSB) is built on a 3.4ha plot of land.

The project, which began in 2010, consists of a business centre, food court, basement car park and petrol kiosk.

It would serve as an inter-city bus terminal to connect the Ipoh central bus station via shuttle bus service.

“The complex can accommodate between 8,000 and 10,000 people in full capacity,” he said, adding that it was surrounded by the Mydin hypermarket, Taipan City project and other shops.

Spacious: Dr Mah checking out the terminal’s interior during his visit.

Dr Mah added the complex could house around 60 buses.

On concerns that the complex was situated far away from the city centre, Dr Mah said there would be feeder buses and taxi services to ferry passengers to and fro.

“As for Medan Kidd station, it will be a hub for inter-town transit, complementing the complex,” he said.

On Medan Gopeng’s status with the opening of the complex, Dr Mah said a letter had been submitted to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to determine its fate.

“It will be convenient and practical for Ipoh to just have one inter-city bus terminal and we hope all bus companies will cooperate with us,” he said.

By The Star