Aeroline Suspension Shows Outdated Transport Rules - Experts

Transport experts say the suspension of mall-based coach services, including Aeroline, exposes outdated transport rules that no longer reflect Malaysia’s urban realities.

“Legally, APAD acted correctly. However, our regulatory system hasn’t evolved in line with today’s urban realities

“A balanced system should integrate central terminals with well-managed city pick-up zones," said transport policy expert Wan Agyl Wan Hassan in a NST report.

Wan Agyl noted that while the rule requiring express buses to operate only from terminals like TBS was designed to ease congestion, it has become impractical for today’s travellers. 

“TBS is 13 kilometres from the city core, and passengers often spend nearly an hour getting to KLCC or Bukit Bintang,” he said, calling for trained marshals and designated loading zones instead of blanket bans.

Public transport advocate Ajit Johl shared similar views, warning that TBS is already near capacity. 

“The law is the law, but a way forward must be found. We hope the suspension can be lifted while discussions take place to reach a solution that benefits all parties,” he said in the same report by the daily news portal.

The suspension came after the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) ordered luxury coach operator Aeroline to halt trips from Nov 6 to Dec 5 for operating from unauthorised mall locations such as Corus KLCC, 1 Utama and Sunway Pyramid instead of TBS.

Meanwhile, retail, hotel and tourism associations said the ban could severely hurt local tourism and retail recovery. 

The BB-KLCC Tourism Association, Malaysia Association of Hotels, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners and Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK) said in a joint statement that about 20,000 passengers use these mall-based coaches monthly, connecting directly to major malls and hotels.

They warned that suspending around 500 buses could disrupt travel, hurt year-end spending and undo years of promotional work by Tourism Malaysia ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

“Coach passengers contribute to spending through shopping, dining and entertainment. Direct access from neighbouring countries helps convert visitors into immediate retail customers and hotel guests,” the associations said.