Previously managed by Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), the services were taken over by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) by 1 January 2019.

[1][2][3] The free service were introduced by Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to help users save money by allowing them to move around Kuala Lumpur at no cost.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Bukit Bintang and Chinatown areas are the first places to enjoy the service since it was launched on 31 August 2012 with 2 routes, namely the Purple and Green Lines.

On 27 October 2021, it was announced by Shahidan Kassim that electric buses would be deployed in the bus services as a carbon reduction initiative and two new routes will be introduced, namely the Parrot Green and Grey lines.

Most bus stops are in close proximity to tourist attractions, major shopping centers, residential areas and easy way to connect through rail transit services such as KTM Komuter, Rapid KL and ERL.

Therefore, GoKL City Bus passengers are intended for travelling within the Central Business District (CBD) and residential areas, saving money and looking for a free ride.