Early birds: People buying bus tickets for the Chinese New Year holidays at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: It is never too early to book a ticket to avoid the late rush to return home for the Chinese New Year celebrations next month.
While it is a little more than a month until the CNY celebrations, those who want to return to their hometowns via buses have been reminded to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said such bookings will allow bus operators to make necessary arrangements on the number of buses and drivers needed for the festive season on Feb 10 and 11.
“Is it important to make your bookings early so that operators will know if they need to increase their schedule and drivers.
“Since the CNY celebration coincides with the 2023 year-end school holidays from Feb 9 to March, it will be harder to predict the travelling pattern for now,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Mohamad Ashfar added that the bookings for CNY season by bus operators will open next week.
“Any plans to increase our bus schedule must obtain approval from the Land Public Transport Agency, hence why it is important to book your tickets prior so we can make proper arrangements.
“Therefore, we will only know for sure of the number of tickets sold once the bus operators open their bookings for CNY and school holidays next week,” he said.
Mohamad Ashfar said the public can buy their bus tickets over the counter at bus stations across the country, online at the operators website or any ticket service providers.
He urged passengers to come to the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure time.
“Bus stations will be packed during the peak festive season, so be sure to come early for security checks.”
Meanwhile, there were early birds who got their tickets to secure their ride home during the festive season.
Service executive Carol Jayson, 28, said she would be flying back to Sabah during the coming Chinese New Year holidays, adding that she already bought her flight tickets last week.
“I decided to buy them earlier after not being able to travel back during the Christmas and New Year holidays due to high prices.
