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Fans Left Stranded at Sepang as Shuttle Shortfalls Force Transport Rework

Revised shuttle pick-up and drop-off arrangements aim to speed exits for the rest of the race weekend.

Overview

  • Following Friday's practice sessions, hundreds of spectators were stranded at Sepang after buses were delayed in traffic and most taxis and ride-hail vehicles were not allowed to pick up at the circuit.
  • Many fans reported long waits and long walks to find alternative transport, with eyewitness accounts of journeys over 10 km and waits of up to four hours to reach Kuala Lumpur airport or nearby malls.
  • Spectators described poor crowd management at exit points, citing no signage, no formal queuing zones and limited staff to guide boarding, which made shuttle loading chaotic and unsafe.
  • Rapid KL and Sepang International Circuit responded on Oct 3 by changing passenger pick-up and drop-off layouts, increasing on-the-ground coordination and saying they will monitor and adjust services through the weekend.
  • Organisers say the problems reflect constrained venue infrastructure and short notice after the Bahrain race was relocated to Sepang, and they have pledged further traffic and shuttle fixes to prevent a repeat.