I was a bit surprised to read of the announcement of a new Rapid Kuching service. The Sarawak government has introduce a "rapid Kuching" service that, from what I know, is in no way connected to the "rapid" services offered in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

In these cities, "rapid" stands for Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras (which means rapid integrated transport network) and the companies offer a relatively integrated public transport service (especially in the Klang Valley).

But in Kuching (and formerly, in Terengganu), "rapid" is just a name to latch on to (like "Sentral") to give people an impression that may not be backed up by service. Unlike the comprehensive networks of RapidKL and RapidPenang, RapidKuching (and formerly, RapidTerengganu) just offer intercity bus service.

azlanOn the other hand, there is a plan for expansion and increased service in the 'inner city' and links between the city and suburban areas - so perhaps there is a positive future for Rapid Kuching.

However, I'm worried when I see the use of the 'rapid' name and the logos on the buses. Rapid Kuching has copied the logo of RapidKL, using the same font but switching the colour from blue and white to yellow. They have also copied the trademarked roundel logo from Transport for London, which according to Transport for London "has been registered as a trade mark for exclusive use by TfL both in the UK and abroad in over 20 classes covering use on vehicles, paper products, toys, clothing etc."

As you can see from this document, Transport for London does not like people copying their trademark, or even using it inappropriately.

It is highly ironic that Sarawak Housing and Urban Development Minister Abang Jo was quoted as saying in the Borneo Post that people turn to ‘pirates’ due to poor public transport but can turn a blind eye to the pirating of the trademarks of Rapid and Transport for London.

Kuching City Area Transit (CAT) was an appropriate name for public transport in Kuching. They should have maintained the original name and come up with their own creative, dynamic and original system.

Sadly, the inappropriate use of the Rapid name and the trademarked logo of Transport for London suggest that Rapid Kuching just does not care about respecting originality and intellectual property.