GEORGE TOWN: The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) is determined to get rid of the lease system used by several bus companies here.

Its chairman, Datuk Markiman Kobiran, said enforcement officers have been working with the state government to get details of the companies involved.

"The lease system has caused a public outcry, especially from commuters and the board wants to see an end to the problem," he said yesterday.

The information being collected includes identifying the bus companies, the drivers, the number of buses and the routes plied. Once complete, the CVLB would issue a show-cause letter to the companies.

"If they fail to respond within a specific time, we will take action on a case-by-case basis.
"Our possible options include suspending or revoking their bus permits to removing the buses from the road," he added.

He confirmed receiving a letter with details of the bus companies from state Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow, in a letter dated April 9, stated that all companies, with the exception of RapidPenang, were involved in the lease system.

He further stated that it was the board's responsibility to ensure that the public transportation system was upgraded for the benefit of the public.