KL Transport Operator Moves to Improve Services After F1 Fans Left Stranded

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Kuala Lumpur’s main public transport operator, Rapid KL, has improved shuttle bus services to the Sepang International Circuit after severe delays left many Formula 1 spectators stranded following the October 2 practice session. These changes aim to prevent the long waits and crowd chaos experienced due to limited buses and traffic congestion, restoring smoother transit for attendees at the circuit hosting the Bahrain Grand Prix amid Middle East tensions.

Kuala Lumpur’s primary public transport operator has taken steps to enhance shuttle services to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) following significant delays experienced by Formula 1 fans during the second practice session on October 2. Hundreds of spectators were left stranded late into the night, with many forced to walk long distances along a highway after a shortage of buses and traffic congestion impeded their departure from the venue.

The Bahrain Grand Prix is currently being held in Malaysia due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The SIC, situated on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, restricts taxi access, relying heavily on shuttle buses for attendee transportation.

Rapid KL, the main operator, issued a statement on October 3 indicating that shuttle services were running as planned, consistent with prior arrangements made with the event organizers. However, acknowledging the feedback from attendees, Rapid KL, in collaboration with SIC and other relevant agencies, announced improvements to passenger pick-up and drop-off protocols has been implemented to facilitate smoother and more orderly crowd movement. By 11 a.m. on October 3, traffic flow and passenger transit were reported to be under control.

The disruptions on October 2 forced some fans to walk approximately 10 kilometers to a mall near Kuala Lumpur International Airport in search of alternative transportation. One fan, Sze Wei, told Reuters that exit queues became overwhelmed as hundreds tried to leave simultaneously. Social media users also reported lengthy waits; @dan_anyeal posted that he waited about four hours before boarding a bus after beginning his queue around 5 p.m.

Another spectator, Farah Ramlee, recounted that she reached the airport roughly four hours after practice ended due to the wait for buses. She noted that there were no visible guides, signage, formal queue zones, or staff managing the crowd, which contributed to the disorder. Despite the challenges, she added, “Luckily everyone was patient.”

SIC officials responded by acknowledging the concerns raised by attendees and noted that transportation services might be adjusted dynamically in response to passenger demand and traffic conditions. The circuit had previously hosted an F1 race in 2017, marking this event as its return to the calendar after several years.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.