Johor PKR has slammed the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) for abdicating its regulatory duties after it announced the deregulation of school bus fares starting next year. PKRs Bukit Batu state assemblyperson Jimmy Puah said the move which comes amid increasing fuel prices was very disappointing. Spad should not run away from the problem. The public expects the commission to perform its role dutifully and come out with a fare structure that is fair to both sides in view of the rising living and business operation costs. By leaving it to the parties to negotiate, I fear the reality and lack of alternative transport would mean the bargaining table is heavily tilted against the parents, Puah said in a statement today. Spad chairperson Syed Hamid Albar on Friday announced that school bus fares will beginning next year, be left to bus operators and parents to negotiate among themselves. Puah said bus fares comprise a significant amount of household expenditure for low income families and Spads move will make the situation worse. The recent fuel hike and the domino effect has already put a very heavy financial burden on the rakyat, and this decision by Spad will only exacerbate the situation, as we can expect a significant rise in the new school bus fares, he said. Puah said Syed Hamid should resign as Spad chairperson if the regulatory body is unwilling to carry out its functions. Spads announcement comes amid planned steep bus fare hikes from Johor to Singapore after both regions imposed a 470 percent hike on toll charges at the causeway.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 01:06:34 +0000
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