ONCE express bus fares are deregulated, many operators will invest in new buses to cater to their own niche markets.
Some will settle for nothing less than the most high-end and expensive European chassis, and commission local coach builders to construct bus bodies of equally high standards.
Others may choose cheaper bus chassis from China but the engines and transmissions may be sourced from top manufacturers around the world.
The quality of bus services depends on the corporate culture of bus companies. Starting from the very top it is manifested in the drivers’ behaviour.
If driving institutes can churn out enough qualified Malaysian bus drivers, bus operators should refrain from hiring smokers and drug addicts. Bus companies can collaborate with driving institutes, and make known the number of drivers they wish to recruit.
Apart from offering a reasonable salary, the pay scale should be disclosed, with increments that take inflation into account, and provide incentives for double or triple increments.
If bus operators can match salary packages offered by companies registered with the Association of Malaysia Hauliers, their drivers can earn between RM3,000 and RM7,000 per month.
But, this will not materialise as long as express bus fares are regulated. Deregulation may see the emergence of companies that operate budget express bus services and derive profits through economies of scale — similar to what AirAsia has done successfully for air transport.
Bus drivers’ habits are the best indicators of the standard of service they provide.
The company may schedule enough rest time for them, but this does not ensure that they will have enough sleep.
Soundproof sleeping quarters should be provided to them before any long-distance trip.
When drivers are outstation, they must have easy access to budget hotels near where their buses are parked.
Local authorities must allow entrepreneurs to offer sleeping capsules as they are designed for people to sleep soundly.
If bus depots are built in major cities, buses can be parked at these facilities to be cleaned and checked overnight, instead of being parked all over the place.
These depots must have shower facilities and sleeping capsules. This will help lower drivers’ overnight expenses and ensure they are ready and fresh for another day’s journey.
Drivers should be encouraged to exercise daily and drink more water, instead of coffee or tea.
But, it will be hard for them to find healthy food as we Malaysians take great pride in our delicious food, which is cooked with excessive amounts of oil, salt, sugar and spice, and may include preservatives, artificial flavour and colouring.
Drivers’ health could deteriorate due to overconsumption of unhealthy food and drinks. Combined with lack of exercise and sleep, they are a recipe for disaster.
Drivers’ character and attitude can be gauged easily by the way they dress and carry themselves. Drivers have to learn to respect themselves before they can respect others. Those who do are smartly dressed and courteous, but many do not even bother to do so.
It should be part of the standard operating procedures for bus drivers to greet passengers before starting each journey and pledging to drive safely.
YS CHAN,
Kuala Lumpur