KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) wants bus operators to use the Axcess ezBUS system for ticket sales to offer travellers a wider choice and convenience.

CVLB chairman Datuk Markiman Kobiran said providing a myriad of sales channels to travellers would encourage more people to use intercity public transport.

"The ezBUS solution is one of the initiatives to reduce the number of cars on the highway and fuel consumption," he said at a press conference after the launch of phase one of the ezBUS system here.

Markiman said the solution was also aimed at contributing to the Malaysian tourism industry as tourists from around the would be able to purchase the bus tickets online.

"Bus operators should take their cue from the airline industry where online ticketing has proven to be an indispensable tool. Having a convenient ticketing system will encourage tourists to explore Malaysia by bus, allowing them to visit smaller towns to experience holistic Malaysian hospitality and culture," he said.

The ezBUS system is conceptualised by Axcess MyTicket Hub Sdn Bhd, which is technically linked to Axcess Consolidated Sdn Bhd which has more than 11 years of experience in ticketing for both local and international events.

Axcess MyTicket Hub's executive director Salina Jaffar said the system was scheduled to be fully operational in May this year.

"We are currently in the midst of testing the ezBUS online portal, and training appointed agents at higher learning institutions and also Axcess existing phone room staff to handle the system," she said.

Axcess MyTicket Hub today signed an agreement with bus operator representatives Darul Naim Sdn Bhd, Damai Sdn Bhd and Mahligai Sdn Bhd, which are among the first to adopt the ezBUS system.

Salina said the system was being tested at the bus operators existing ticket counters located at major bus terminals.

She said the company was also in talks with another 15 to 20 bus operators nationwide and hoped to have agreements with them in the coming months.

At the same event, Axcess MyTicket Hub also signed a memorandum of understanding with higher learning institution representatives to expand the availability of tickets using the ezBUS system, especially to tertiary students.