Critical Success Factor (CSF) of Electric Bus Friendly Terminal Design

Authors

  • Mac Arthur Dalan Sanggah Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Sayed Muhammad Aiman Sayed Abul Khair Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Jamaludin Muhamad Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Farid Al Hakeem Yuserrie Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Mohd Nasurudin Hasbullah Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.4.2026

Keywords:

Electric Bus Infrastructure, Critical Success Factor, Terminal Design Framework, Low-Carbon Transportation, Success Factors in Terminal, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action

Abstract

Sustainable urban mobility is a core pillar of modern city planning, aiming to reduce environmental impact while improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of life. It promotes integrated, low-carbon transportation systems that encourage a shift from private to shared and eco-friendly modes of travel. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) in integrating electric buses (EBs) into the design of Malaysian bus terminals, to support a national transition toward “sustainable urban mobility”. Recognising the challenges of shifting from fossil fuel-based transportation to electric alternatives, the research identifies critical design, operational, and policy-related factors that influence successful implementation. Using document and content analysis, 50 global best-practice articles were examined and adapted to the Malaysian context to bridge existing local knowledge gaps. Insights drawn from international case studies inform the identification of seven key factors: infrastructure readiness, environmental sustainability, technological integration, policy and financial mechanisms, operational efficiency, passenger experience, and stakeholder collaboration. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive design framework for future electric bus terminals, emphasising 3 themes consisting of modular spatial planning, renewable energy systems, and user-centric facilities. The proposed framework offers valuable guidance for urban planners, policymakers, and transportation stakeholders, contributing to the development of low-carbon, efficient public transit infrastructure aligned with Malaysia’s Smart Mobility Strategy and Low-Carbon City Framework.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aarhaug, J., & Elvebakk, B. (2015). The impact of Universally accessible public transport-a before and after study. Transport Policy, 44, 143–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2015.08.003

Abbasi, M. (2018). Study of Electric Buses and Their Impact on the Environment in Urban Networks. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323336803

Abenoza, R. F., Ceccato, V., Susilo, Y. O., & Cats, O. (2018). Individual, Travel, and Bus Stop Characteristics Influencing Travelers’ Safety Perceptions. Transportation Research Record, 2672(8), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118758677

Adedayo Asaolu, & Stuart Galloway. (2020). Optimal design of conductive and inductive charging system for bus rapid transit network. IEEE.

Advancing Public Transport. (2023). Why Public Transport Is Key to Achieve the SDGs 1.0.

Ahmad, J., Ramadhan, M. R., Nilwana, A., Bibin, M., Ardian, A., & Sahar. (2021). The Role of Stakeholders in Public Transportation Services Based on Information Technology. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 717(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/717/1/012002

Albrechtowicz, P. (2023). Electric vehicle impact on the environment in terms of the electric energy source — Case study. Energy Reports, 9, 3813–3821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.02.088

Al-Ogaili, A. S., Al-Shetwi, A. Q., Babu, T. S., Hoon, Y., Abdullah, M. A., Alhasan, A., & Al-Sharaa, A. (2021). Electric buses in malaysia: Policies, innovations, technologies, and life cycle evaluations. In Sustainability (Switzerland) (Vol. 13, Issue 21). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111577

American Public Transportation Association. (2010). Public Transportation: Moving America Forward.

An, K. (2020). Battery electric bus infrastructure planning under demand uncertainty. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 111, 572–587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2020.01.009

Ana Terra, Mariola Panzuela, Claire Markgraf, & Zoe Allen. (2023). Overview of EV charging infrastructure deployment Case studies in selected C40 Cities Main findings from case studies Recommendations to cities when developing EVCI business models Acronyms Contents 2 Acronyms.

Ana Terra, Zoe Allen, Mariola Panzuela, & Claire Markgraf. (2023). EV Charging Infrastructure: Business Models & City Case Studies.

APTA Standards Development Program. (2020). Transit Universal Design Guidelines Principles and Best Practices for Implementing Universal Design in Transit.

Architectural and Urban design for developing Interstate Bus Transport. (2018). Architectural and Urban design for developing Interstate Bus Transport.

Asadi, S., Nilashi, M., Samad, S., Abdullah, R., Mahmoud, M., Alkinani, M. H., & Yadegaridehkordi, E. (2021). Factors impacting consumers’ intention toward adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124474

Avenali, A., Catalano, G., Giagnorio, M., & Matteucci, G. (2024). Factors influencing the adoption of zero-emission buses: A review-based framework. In Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Vol. 197). Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.114388

Aziz, A., & Mohamad, J. (2020). Public Transport Planning: Local Bus Service Integration and Improvements in Penang, Malaysia. In Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners (Vol. 18).

Bachok, S., Osman, M. M., Ibrahim, M., & Ponrahono, Z. (2015). Regenerating Ipoh City Mobility through High Level of Service (LOS) of Public Bus Service. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 170, 680–689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.01.070

Caroline Sutandi, A. (2019). Stages of ICT implementation on buses and at major bus terminal in Indonesia for sustainable transportation. MATEC Web of Conferences, 276, 03017. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201927603017

Curtis, C., Ellder, E., & Scheurer, J. (2019). Public transport accessibility tools matter: A case study of Gothenburg, Sweden. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 7(1), 96–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2018.12.003

Díez, A. E., & Restrepo, M. (2021). A planning method for partially grid-connected bus rapid transit systems operating with in-motion charging batteries. Energies, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/en14092550

Dr Arshad Adam Salema and Energy Watch. (2022). Fueling Malaysia’s Electric Buses with Solar Energy - Energy Watch: Global & Regional Energy Insights, Thought leadership, & Conversations. https://www.energywatch.com.my/blog/2022/04/11/fueling-malaysias-electric-buses-with-solar-energy/

Frank, L., Dirks, N., & Walther, G. (2021). Improving rural accessibility by locating multimodal mobility hubs. Journal of Transport Geography, 94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2021.103111

Göker, P., & Hergül, Ö. C. (2021). Design of Sustainable Smart Bus Station; Case Study of Bilecik, Türkiye. The Academic Research Community Publication, 5(1), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.21625/archive.v5i1.814

Gromule, V., Yatskiv, I., & Pěpulis, J. (2017). Safety and Security of Passenger Terminal: The Case Study of Riga International Coach Terminal. Procedia Engineering, 178, 147–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.01.080

Hussain, A. S., & Ramdan, A. S. (2020). Sustainability in the Design of Passenger Terminals for Airports. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 745(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/745/1/012141

Iman Hashim, N., & Munirah Syuhada Mohamad Zan, U. (2019). An Overview of Public Transportation Services as an Attraction of Tourism Industry in Malaysia. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340077522

Ivan Loh. (2023). Confidence in EV use needs recharge | The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2023/05/23/confidence-in-ev-use-needs-recharge

Jamei, E., Chan, M., Chau, H. W., Gaisie, E., & Lättman, K. (2022). Perceived Accessibility and Key Influencing Factors in Transportation. In Sustainability (Switzerland) (Vol. 14, Issue 17). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710806

Kapustina, L., & Izakova, N. (2023). Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Environment: Pros and Cons. E3S Web of Conferences, 451. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202345102003

Kumarran, M., Mariappan, N. M., & Nahzira Nur, N. (2023). Evolution of the transportation sector in Malaysia.

Kuys, J., Melles, G., Al Mahmud, A., Thompson-Whiteside, S., & Kuys, B. (2022). Human Centred Design Considerations for the Development of Sustainable Public Transportation in Malaysia. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 12(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/app122312493

Laili, H., Rahman, A., Saptari, A., Azmi, F. R., & Roni, M. (2024). The Challenges in Adopting Electric Buses: A Case from Melaka, Malaysia. In Information Management and Business Review (Vol. 16, Issue 3).

Leidecker, J., & Bylwo, V. (1984). Identifying and Using Critical Success Factors. In Long Range Planning (Vol. 17, Issue 1).

Limpasirisuwan, N., Champahom, T., Jomnonkwao, S., & Ratanavaraha, V. (2024). Promoting Sustainable Transportation: Factors Influencing Battery Electric Vehicle Adoption Across Age Groups in Thailand. Sustainability, 16(21), 9273. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219273

Litman, T. A. (2021). Evaluating Public Transit Benefits and Costs Best Practices Guidebook. www.vtpi.org

Liu, Y., Ding, Y., Jiang, P., Jin, X., Wu, X., & Zheng, Z. (2024). Joint Optimal Design of Electric Bus Service and Charging Facilities. Sustainability, 16(14), 6155. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146155

Logeswaran, S., Indhiradevi, P., Charumathy, A., Anitha, A., Subramaniam, M., & Karthikeyan, S. (2021). Review Analysis on Factors Influencing the Design of Bus Station. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1145(1), 012078. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/1145/1/012078

Lopez, O., & Gorosabel, B. (2017). Assessing the Construction of Charging Stations for Electric Buses: A Case Study for Stockholm Inner City.

Lyu, J., Xiang, J., Zhao, J., & Ming. (2019). Design of Bus Station Based on Sustainable Development and Humanization Designprinciples-Take Two Design Plans for Example. MATEC Web of Conferences, 278, 05002. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201927805002

Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh. (2021). Draf Rancangan Tempatan Bandaraya Ipoh 2035.

Manzolli, J. A., Trovão, J. P., & Antunes, C. H. (2022). A review of electric bus vehicles research topics – Methods and trends. In Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Vol. 159). Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112211

May, A., Boehler-Baedeker, S., Delgado, L., Durlin, T., Enache, M., & van der Pas, J. W. (2017). Appropriate national policy frameworks for sustainable urban mobility plans. European Transport Research Review, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12544-017-0224-1

Ministry of Transport Malaysia. (2021). Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025). Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad.

Mustaffa, N. K., Mat Isa, C. M., & Che Ibrahim, C. K. I. (2021). Top-down bottom-up strategic green building development framework: Case studies in Malaysia. Building and Environment, 203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108052

Muzir, N. A. Q., Mojumder, M. R. H., Hasanuzzaman, M., & Selvaraj, J. (2022). Challenges of Electric Vehicles and Their Prospects in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Review. In Sustainability (Switzerland) (Vol. 14, Issue 14). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148320

Nag, D., Bs, M., Goswami, A. K., & Bharule, S. (2019). ADBI Working Paper Series FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTEGRATION AT RAILWAY STATIONS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR QUALITY-OF-LIFE Asian Development Bank Institute. https://www.adb.org/publications/framework-public-transport-integration-railway-stations-

National Energy Transition Roadmap, & Ministry of Economy. (2023). National Energy Transition Roadmap.

Noegroho, N., Tedja, M., & Delonix, A. J. (2021). Redevelopment Bus Terminal based on Sustainable Transportation, Study Case: Kampung Melayu Terminal in Jakarta. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 794(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/794/1/012205

Norhidayu Binti Madsah. (2017). Main Characteristic of User Requirements for The Transformation of Existing Bus Terminal in Northern Region of Malaysia.

Olsson, L. E., Friman, M., & Lättman, K. (2021a). Accessibility Barriers and Perceived Accessibility: Implications for Public Transport. Urban Science, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci5030063

Pandey, Y., Agrawal, P. K., Gupta, N., Niazi, K. R., & Swarnkar, A. (2024). A planning framework for intra-city electric bus road transportation systems. E-Prime - Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy, 10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prime.2024.100816

R, G., Pathak, D. V., Pratap, S., & Lakshay. (2024). Barriers and drivers for sustainable public transportation in Indian context. Green Energy and Intelligent Transportation, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geits.2023.100141

Rethinking The Future. (2024). Metro Stations and Bus Terminals: An In-Depth Exploration of Transportation Spaces - RTF | Rethinking the Future. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/articles/metro-stations-and-bus-terminals/#google_vignette

Rex Deighton-Smith, Josephine Macharia, Jean Coldefy, Jonathan Saks, Corinne Mulley, Jagoda Egeland, & Stephen Perkins. (2024). The Future of Public Transport Funding Corporate Partnership Board CPB. www.itf-oecd.org

Richard Wee, & Jasmin Nga. (2024, March 27). Electrifying the Road Ahead: A Comprehensive Guide to EV Charging Guidelines in Malaysia – Richard Wee Chambers. https://www.richardweechambers.com/electrifying-the-road-ahead-a-comprehensive-guide-to-ev-charging-guidelines-in-malaysia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Rodrigues, G. S., Reis, J. G. M. dos, Orynycz, O., Tucki, K., Machado, S. T., & Raymundo, H. (2023). A Study on the Viability of Adopting Battery Electric Vehicles in Bus Rapid Transit in Brazil Using the AHP Method. Energies, 16(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/en16134858

Salonen, M., & Toivonen, T. (2013). Modelling travel time in urban networks: Comparable measures for private car and public transport. Journal of Transport Geography, 31, 143–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2013.06.011

Srinivasa, M. (2024). Urban Mobility: An Understanding of Critical Success Factors of Multimodal Passenger Transport in India and Research Implications.

Stasiak-Cieślak, B., & Grabarek, I. (2023). Universal design in transport. In Systemy Logistyczne Wojsk (Vol. 59, Issue 2, pp. 247–262). Logistics, Faculty of Security, Logistics and Management, Military University of Technology. https://doi.org/10.37055/slw/186377

Su, J., & Sze, N. N. (2022). Safety of walking trips accessing to public transportation: A Bayesian spatial model in Hong Kong. Travel Behaviour and Society, 29, 125–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tbs.2022.06.003

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (2024).

The Star. (2020). Intercity bus terminal on the cards for Ipoh.

Thomas, R., & Bertolini, L. (2017). Defining critical success factors in TOD implementation using rough set analysis. Journal of Transport and Land Use, 10(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.5198/jtlu.2015.513

Twelfth Malaysia Plan. (2021). Twelfth Malaysia Plan.

Tzamakos, D., Iliopoulou, C., & Kepaptsoglou, K. (2023). Electric bus charging station location optimization considering queues. International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology, 12(1), 291–three hundred. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtst.2022.02.007

UN-Habitat. (2022). Integration is Key: The Role of Electric Mobility for Low-Carbon and Sustainable Cities.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. (2024). Integrated Public Transport Systems: A Guidebook for Policymakers.

U.S. General Services Administration. (2024). Sustainable design | GSA. https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-and-construction/sustainability/sustainable-design

Ustadi, M. N., & Shopi, N. A. M. (2016). A Study towards the Efficiency of Public Transportation Hub Characteristics: A Case Study of Northern Region, Peninsular Malaysia. Procedia Economics and Finance, 35, 612–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2212-5671(16)00075-7

Wang, W., & Yi, H. (2016). Research of Humanized Design of Urban Bus Station.

Yao, L. Y., Sun, L. S., Wang, W. H., & Xiong, H. (2012). Concept layout model of transportation terminals. Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/148216

Yeoh, B. E. T., Powell, R., & Kusumo, C. (2019). Four th International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design ICWSAUD2019 Revitalising an Urban Centre: Reviving Klang Bus Terminal as a Centrifugal Force in Central Klang.

Yeroo Group. (2023). The advantages and functions of smart bus stations. https://www.yeroo.com/article/516/5.html

Yin Mun, L., Kun Xin, W., & Devi Rajendran, S. (2019). A study on the Barriers in Accessibility for the Disabled at Bus Terminal. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/2019136040

Zairul, M. (2020). A thematic review on student-centred learning in the studio education. In Journal of Critical Reviews (Vol. 7, Issue 2, pp. 504–511). Innovare Academics Sciences Pvt. Ltd. https://doi.org/10.31838/jcr.07.02.95

Zarȩba, A., Widawski, K., Krzemińska, A., & Dzikowska, A. (2019). Multiscale Transit Oriented Development (TOD) for sustainable communities. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 214(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/214/1/012099

Zavyalov, D. (2016). Globalization and Development of Sustainable Public Transport Systems. www.unido.org

Downloads

Published

2026-04-27

How to Cite

Sanggah, M. A. D., Sayed Abul Khair, S. M. A., Muhamad, J., Yuserrie, F. A. H., & Hasbullah, M. N. (2026). Critical Success Factor (CSF) of Electric Bus Friendly Terminal Design. KUPAS SENI: Jurnal Seni Dan Pendidikan Seni, 14(Isu Khas), 43-63. https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.4.2026