Govt only regulates fares for economy express buses, says Apad

The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) has stated that the floor rate of fares for economy and executive express buses is determined by the fare schedule. The executive class fares are influenced by supply and demand, while the government regulates and sets the economy class fares.

Express bus service operating companies are responsible for charging appropriate fares based on the type of service offered to travelers, in line with the fare schedule set by the government, according to Apad.

Apad responded to a recent viral incident regarding an expensive bus fare for a journey from Gopeng, Perak to Johor Bahru. In this situation, the complainant chose the executive express bus service, and the price paid was based on supply and demand, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The agency advised the public to make a wise choice when purchasing bus tickets due to different pricing based on the type of service offered to passengers.

Media reports on Feb 11 revealed that a couple had to pay over RM800 for a round trip from Gopeng, Perak to Johor Baru, Johor. The Penang Consumer Association (CAP) stated that the round-trip fares charged to the couple were significantly higher than the usual RM70 per person.

Apad also reiterated that bus service operators cannot arbitrarily raise the price of economy fares without permission from the agency. The statement mentioned that stern action, such as suspension or revocation of the service license, may be imposed in the event of a violation.

As the agency responsible for regulating and monitoring public service vehicles, Apad warned that it will not tolerate any operator imposing unreasonable additional fare charges and burdening consumers.

The agency emphasized that it works with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to ensure that no express bus operators charge arbitrary fares and that it takes note of user’s complaints.- Bernama