Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, subsidiary of the Rapid KL, Go KL, and SMART Selangor busses operated by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) today launched its data share via the Google maps application.

Developed in collaboration with Google, the application which uses data provided by Rapid Bus will be able to help Rapid Bus users plan their trips more efficiently.

Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, chairman of Prasarana, said that Google's open application will permit passengers to search the Rapid KL bus position in real-time for nearly 170 routes across Klang Valley, including selected Light Rail Transit ( LRT) feeders, Go KL and SMART Selangor.

"The data sharing also offers other travel options such as a combination of bus and rail services, providing information on the estimated travel time of a bus,” he said after launching the application at the Cheras Selatan Rapid Bus Complex.

Tajuddin said Rapid Bus is also preparing to expand its application to include Rapid Penang and Rapid Kuantan MRT feeder bus service in the future.

Tajuddin said since 2010, Rapid KL had been using its Rapid Bus call center to announce bus locations.

“With the Google Maps data, customers no longer have to refer to the call center, but can find out for themselves the real-time location of our Rapid bus before planning their trip,” he said.