Govt Will Monitor Express Bus Fare Hikes For Aidilfitri

The Transport Ministry will be monitoring express bus ticket prices closely through the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) in advance of the Aidilfitri holiday.  Its minister Anthony Loke, acknowledged that while express bus operators can add a 10% surcharge during the festive season, APAD will take action if price increases are deemed excessive or unreasonable.
“Express buses for the festive period are allowed (to impose) a 10% surcharge, and that is normal; (it) has been implemented for years.

“However, APAD will monitor if there is any unreasonable or drastic increase, and we (the Ministry) will take action through APAD,” he said.

Last year, APAD announced in March that express bus fares for the economy service category would increase by 10% during peak periods, like the Hari Raya celebration.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the 10% increase in express bus fares during the festive season was justified due to several factors, including increased bus service capacity and bus rental fees. The agency stated that the Cabinet had approved a festive season surcharge of RM0.009 per kilometre, raising the express bus fare for the economy service category from RM0.093 per kilometre to RM0.102 per kilometre.

Source: Bernama.