Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic that is now widespread across the world. Malaysia government has implemented the Movement Control Order (MCO) or so-called massive restriction in Malaysia. The restriction amongst others includes that the public is advised to stay and work from home. Only the essential services are allowed to operate at capacity within the stipulated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Public transport operation is considered as essential services that need to provide people with mobility and access to employment, community resources, medical care, and recreational opportunities in communities. This study aims to identify the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on urban public transport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The objectives include: to determine the change of ridership trends, to measure the Customer Satisfaction Index (SCI) and Loyalty Index (CLI) in taking consideration of the current COVID-19 SOP provided by public transport operators. The questionnaire survey was distributed via online and received 401 respondents. The results show significant decreases in ridership and new mobility patterns emerge from public transport to private cars. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the CSI and CLI value for both public transport services-bus and rail within the urban public transport users. The highlights of public transport users' concern on using the public transport during this pandemic will be discussed.
Highlights
Malaysia had detected their first case of COVID-19 outbreak on 25th January 2020 and the first Malaysian was confirmed with COVID-19 outbreak on the 4th February 2020
The rail services had to run at half of normal capacity and bus services were reduced to 30% of normal capacity due to the Standard Operating Procedure guideline that must be followed during the Movement Control Order (MCO) [1]
Public transport users preferred to self-drive amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and started to avoid public transportation as a safety measure and they believed in the perception that public transport is riskier than private vehicles
Summary
Malaysia had detected their first case of COVID-19 outbreak on 25th January 2020 and the first Malaysian was confirmed with COVID-19 outbreak on the 4th February 2020. The number of reported positive cases grew rapidly in March 2020 and Malaysia confirmed two (2) COVID-19 related deaths on 17th March. As the number of positive cases increased relatively high on March 16, the Prime Minister of Malaysia announced a Movement Control Order (MCO) in order to reduce the rapid spread of COVID-19 [2]. The current easing of the MCO or so-called massive restriction in Malaysia presents a threat to public transportation. Public transportation helps to reduce various problems such as traffic congestion, increased travel time, and environmental pollution due to the dependence of the community on private vehicles [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
