PUTRAJAYA, Feb 16 — The floor rate of fares for the economy and executive express buses is set based on the fare schedule, with the executive class being subject to supply and demand, while the economy class is regulated and set by the government, according to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
APAD said that, based on the fare schedule set by the government, express bus service operating companies are responsible for charging appropriate fares, in line with the type of service offered to travellers.
Referring to the recent viral incident regarding the expensive bus fare for the journey from Gopeng, Perak to Johor Bahru, APAD explained that, in the situation where the complainant chose the executive express bus service, the price paid was based on supply and demand, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“APAD would like to remind the public to make a wise choice when purchasing bus tickets, due to different pricing according to the type of service offered to passengers,” it said.
On Feb 11, the media reported that a couple had to pay more than RM800 for a round trip from Gopeng, Perak to Johor Bahru, Johor.
The Penang Consumer Association (CAP) reportedly said that the round-trip fares charged against the couple were astonishingly elevated as reported, ranging between 270 per cent and 344 per cent higher than the usual RM70 per person.
APAD also stressed that bus service operators cannot raise the price of economy fares arbitrarily without permission from the agency.
“Stern action may be imposed in the event of a violation in accordance with provisions stipulated in the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715),” read the statement.
The law stipulates the action of either suspension or revocation of the service licence against the company concerned.
APAD, as the agency responsible for regulating and monitoring public service vehicles, warned that it will not compromise with any operator which imposes unreasonable additional fare charges and burdens consumers.
“APAD and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) always work together to ensure that there are no express bus operators who charge arbitrary fares,” it said and stressed that the agency is concerned with the issues raised and takes note of the user’s complaints.
— Bernamaa
