Spad yet to approve new fare for school buses

The Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) has not approved any new fare and surcharge on school buses as quoted in certain news dailies recently.

The commission, in its statement today, explained that consent had been reached with representatives from the School Bus Associations of Malaysia (PPPBSM) and the Malaysian Federation of School Bus Operators (GPBSM) that there would be no surchange or price hikes in school bus fares until Spad announced the new school bus fare scheme in March 2014.  

"Currently Spad is finalising the new school bus fare scheme while taking into account three significant elements.

"Therefore, all operators should maintain the current school bus fare structure as approved by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board in August 2009," the statement said.

Healthy competition

According to the statement, the three elements included conducting engagement sessions with parents/school associations and looking into the new scheme to supplement income of school bus drivers.

Spad was also examining the possibility of using market forces to transform the school bus industry which would promote healthy competition amongst operators in terms of fare pricing as well as better level of service while moving towards improved self-regulation, the statement said.  

"It is crucial these three elements are studied carefully so that any government decision will not burden the parents whilst at the same time ensure the viability of the school bus industry in providing quality services," according to the statement.

- Bernama