HomeAbstract of 10th-icrmanagementRural Routes, Real Needs: Community and Stakeholder Perspectives on MARA Liner Services in Teluk Intan

Rural Routes, Real Needs: Community and Stakeholder Perspectives on MARA Liner Services in Teluk Intan

  • Jul 21, 2026
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Abstract Book of the 10th International Conference on Research in Management

Year: 2026

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Rural Routes, Real Needs: Community and Stakeholder Perspectives on MARA Liner Services in Teluk Intan

Prof. Dr. Suhaily Mohd Ramly, Farha Ghapar, Ahmad Fauzi Ahmad Zaini, Nur Iman Abd Malik

ABSTRACT:

Rural public bus services are important for communities with limited access to private transport. Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia, presents a relevant rural–town context where existing bus routes need to be reviewed in response to local development, changing settlement patterns, and emerging activity centres. At the same time, the effectiveness of rural bus services is affected by limited route coverage, low service frequency, narrow village roads, unsuitable terminal access, and low public awareness of available services. This study explores community and stakeholder views on MARA Liner services in Teluk Intan. It focuses on rural transport needs, service accessibility, route improvement, and practical service planning. This study adopted a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with rural residents, village representatives, MARA Liner officers, government agencies, and local stakeholders. The findings show that MARA Liner is still needed by villagers, students, workers, senior citizens, and other groups who depend on public transport. The findings also indicate the need to improve existing routes and introduce better access to underserved rural areas and nearby communities. The study recommends route redesign, the use of smaller buses or vans for suitable areas, better service information, stronger local promotion, and closer coordination between transport operators and government agencies. The study highlights that rural bus services should be reviewed not only in terms of passenger numbers but also in light of changes in development, social needs, rural accessibility, and community well-being.

Keywords: Bus Route Planning; Public Transport; Rural Mobility; Route Review; Transport Accessibility