APAD emphasised that all bus operators must adhere to the existing fare schedule. Non-compliance could result in penalties.
Ceiling Fare for Executive Buses a Possibility – APAD
The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) plans to issue 300 Temporary Variation Licenses to Economy bus operators to accommodate the surge in demand during the Eid al-Fitr season at regulated fares.
Economy bus fares have not changed since September 2013. The ceiling fare is currently RM0.093 per kilometre, with an allowable additional surcharge of up to 10 per cent during festive periods like Eid al-Fitr.
On the other hand, there is no ceiling fare for Executive buses with a floor fare set at RM0.15 per kilometre. However, Executive buses offer a more comfortable experience for passengers, including wider seats, food and beverages, and reclining seats equipped with meal trays, televisions, and multimedia players.
To make sure there is no more confusion among passengers regarding ticket classifications, APAD has instructed ticketing centres, including online and offline platforms, to clearly display whether the tickets being sold are for Economy or Executive buses. This move aims to prevent passengers from inadvertently purchasing higher-priced Executive tickets due to unclear information.
The agency emphasised that all bus operators must adhere to the existing fare schedule. Non-compliance could result in penalties under Section 27 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715), including the suspension or revocation of operating licenses.
APAD has also announced an ongoing review of fare policies, particularly regarding the possibility of introducing a ceiling fare for Executive services. However, as it requires legal amendments, the initiative will take time to materialise.
With the Eid al-Fitr holiday period seeing a sharp increase in travellers, APAD’s measures are aimed at ensuring fair pricing, adequate service availability, and greater transparency in ticketing for all passengers.
