KUALA LUMPUR: Some 13 express bus companies have been issued show-cause letters for raising economy class fares above the permitted ceiling price during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, according to the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
The agency said of the total, five companies were issued a second show-cause letter and summoned to Apad’s headquarters.
The letters were sent out after monitoring 101 companies and 371 vehicles between March 15 and April 6.
The agency focused on eight major routes including the Larkin Terminal in Johor, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Kuala Lumpur, the Penang Sentral Terminal and the Kuala Terengganu Terminal.
Apad also found that two companies had raised express bus fares beyond the permitted ceiling price ahead of the festive season.
“One of the companies was issued a warning notice as the evidence showed the fare increase was nominal, while another was suspended from operating for 14 days for failing to respond to the second show-cause letter,” it said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Since Sept 9, 2013, the ceiling fare for economy buses has been set at RM0.093 per km with an additional 10% limit during festive seasons.
There is no ceiling fare for executive buses, the agency added.
“Apad will also monitor the level of compliance by express bus companies with service requirements, including adherence to the Industry Safety Code of Practice.
“Apad will not hesitate to take firm action, including suspending operator licences, if any are found to be in breach of licence conditions,” the agency said.
A total of 177 express bus companies have been issued licences while 3,854 vehicle permits have been given out in Peninsular Malaysia as of April 30, Apad said.
