Double decker buses operated by Panorama Melaka will cease operations as part of the Melaka state government's efforts to reduce public expenditure.
According to Melaka's Public Works, Transport and Public Works Exco, Mohd Sofi Abdul Wahab, both types of buses were unsuitable for the state as maintenance costs were high. He said the introduction of the London-inspired double decker buses was to attract tourists to the state however given the high maintenance cost of the bus, the decision was made to cease its operations.
The buses which provided services around the city centre with 15 stops including Hang Tuah Mall, Jonker Street and Banda Hilir, were introduced in Melaka on August 14, 2007.
Meanwhile, the state government also intends to work with leading bus companies such as MyBas and RapidKL to operate bus services in Melaka, to replace Panorama Melaka, after increasing complaints from the public of the latter's deteriorating service quality. Panorama Melaka's problems were reported to have been caused by a number of defected and abandoned buses, affecting many routes.
This operation takeover is expected to take place next year as soon as the Transport Ministry gives the green light.
