School Bus Fares Up By RM5 to RM10 For 2025 Term

Beginning in Feb, Malaysian school bus prices will rise for the 2025 academic year. The Malaysian School Bus Operators Association (GPBSM) has stated that the ticket increase varies from RM5 to RM10 per child, contingent upon agreements between bus operators and parents, reports Utusan Malaysia.

"The decision to raise fares is based on mutual negotiations without any government intervention," said Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusof, president of GPBSM. Parents who are unhappy with the increased fares can choose a different bus company that fits their budget better, he continued.

The RM5 to RM10 fare increase comes as a result of rising operational costs for school bus operators, including higher maintenance and spare part expenses, as well as the implementation of the new minimum wage law.

Despite these challenges, Mohd Rofik noted that operators are mindful of the financial constraints faced by parents. Initial projections had suggested a steeper hike of RM10 to RM20 for the new term, but the revised increase reflects a more moderate adjustment after taking parents’ concerns into account.

The National Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) Council has highlighted the importance of open discussions involving schools, parents, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBGs) to ensure transparency in determining fare increases.

Meanwhile, The Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC), however, has strongly cautioned against business organizations announcing price increases in public. Such measures might deceive the public and promote cartel-like pricing practices, MyCC chairman Tan Sri Idrus Harun said.

To ensure the viability of school transportation services, he also called on school bus and van operators around the country to have direct conversations with parents and guardians in order to approve fare modifications that are acceptable to both parties.

Last year, Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke warned school bus operators against raising fares following the implementation of targeted diesel subsidies as these operators will continue to receive diesel subsidies. 

Source: The SUN