Taxi and bus operators hope to gain an edge over ehailing

PETALING JAYA: Taxi and bus operators welcome the government’s decision to continue diesel subsidies for the sector following the rationalisation announcement.

Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi Wilayah Persekutuan dan Selangor (Perpekli) president Siti Faradilah Aslah said some operators could gain a competitive advantage over ehailing services following the rationalisation of diesel subsidy.

She said family-type taxis, particularly those based at airports such as diesel-powered premium vans, would benefit from the recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“This will certainly help reduce operating costs for these vehicles. Outstation taxis and rental cars such as diesel-powered vehicles used for long-distance journeys will also benefit,” she said when contacted.

Siti Faradilah said fares for ehailing services could see an increase following the planned rationalisation of subsidies, as private vehicle operators using diesel vehicles would not be eligible for the fuel subsidy anymore.

She was also hopeful that the Transport Ministry would re-evaluate current fares and propose cost rationalisations as inflation has doubled since the last fare increase for the sector in 2017.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali welcomed the government’s move, noting that the sector had enjoyed subsidies for the last decade.

However, the association wanted an increase in the diesel subsidy quota for bus operators.

“While we benefit from the current quota, it is insufficient for long-distance or month-long use,” he said.

Mohamad Ashfar said currently, stage buses receive around 1,440 litres, and express buses 2,880 litres per month at RM1.88 per litre.

“We have requested a quota increase to 4,000 litres for stage buses and 6,000 litres for express buses per month, at a rate of RM1.50 per litre,” he said, adding that the last bus fare increase was in 2008.

Gabungan Teksi Malaysia president Kamarudin Mohd Hussain added that the government’s move might positively impact taxi and rental car drivers who rely on petrol and natural gas for vehicles (NGV).

“For those in the public transport service sector, we hope to benefit from a special petrol subsidy from the government in the future,” he said.