Transport operator improves services after F1 fans left stranded in Sepang
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SEPANG – Kuala Lumpur’s main public transport operator has improved the coordination of its shuttle services to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) after hundreds of Formula 1 fans had to walk several kilometres along a highway following Oct 2’s practice sessions due to a shortage of buses.
Following the second practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held in Malaysia due to the conflict in the Middle East, many fans found themselves stranded late into the night at the circuit.
The buses that were in operation were stuck in traffic and taxis were not permitted at the venue, which is located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
Rapid KL said in a statement on Oct 3 that the shuttle bus services had been implemented as planned, in line with the operational arrangements agreed upon with the organiser.
“Following the feedback received, Rapid KL, together with SIC and the relevant agencies, has made improvements to the passenger pick-up and drop-off arrangements.
“These improvements have been implemented from today to ensure smoother and more orderly passenger movement,” it said.
It said that, as at 11am on Oct 3, traffic flow and passenger movement were smooth and under control, reported Malaysian national news agency Bernama.
On Oct 2, some fans had to trek two hours to the mall near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport – more than 10km away – to find alternative transport.
“The queues at the exit were overwhelmed when hundreds of fans tried to leave,” Sze Wei, a fan who attended the sessions, told Reuters.
In a Threads post, a user identified as @dan_anyeal claimed he had queued for public transport at about 5pm but only managed to board a bus four hours later.
“I started queuing about 5pm, but only managed to board a bus about 9pm. Four hours,” he wrote.
Another spectator, Farah Ramlee, said she reached the airport four hours after practice ended as she waited for the bus at the track.
“Luckily everyone was patient,” she said. “There were no visual guides, no signage, no formal queue zone and no staff to manage the crowd.”
SIC officials acknowledged the concerns and warned services could be adjusted based on passenger demand and traffic conditions.
The circuit last hosted an F1 race in 2017. REUTERS