Puduraya bus terminal will be opened and officiated in February together with integrated transportation terminal-Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS-BTS).

Uda Holdings Berhad chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed said directive to this effect has been received from the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry.

NONE The Pulai MP said north-bound buses will continue to operate from Puduraya although operators are allowed to operate from TBS-BTS.

"Bus operators are fond of Puduraya as it is right in the city centre.

"The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board has directed south-bound buses to operate from TBS-BTS," he said after opening a biocharge therapy centre for Pulai parliamentary constituency in Johor Bahru today.

Puduraya bus terminal was closed for upgrading in April.

Meanwhile, the RM570 million TBS-BTS has begun attracting bus passengers.

A Bernama check today found that several shops and the hawker centre on level four have opened with several people seen enjoying their meals.

NONE Elijah Ismail, 45, from Sentul who went to buy tickets to Johor is however disappointed as the ticket counters have not opened.

"I hope the ticket counters will open soon," said the housewife who was accompanied by husband Ariffin Ismail, 47, and daughter Rabiatul, 15.

She also praised terminal facilities provided by Maju Terminal Management and Services.

Parking attendant Termizi Mat Amir, 44, is also proud of the ultra-modern public transportation terminal.

"Bus passengers will benefit from this terminal which also provides jobs to the local people," he added.

Trader Ana Hickson, 61, is happy with the rental rate and hope that the terminal will be given promoted more.

"More taxis and buses will bring more people and help boost business here," she added.

Stallholder Asif Baig, 32, is amazed with the facilities which are on par with those at international airports.

Meanwhile, Maju Holdings corporate communications manager Badrul Izhan said that ticket counters will only open tomorrow.

"It all depends on the respective bus operators. The bus terminal can handle 1,000 trips daily," he added.

The terminal with 55 platforms and 1,000 parking lots is linked to KTM Komuter, Express Rail Link (ERL) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

It is a government project to increase use of public transportation in the Klang Valley from 16 percent to 25 percent by 2012.

- Bernama