KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) has called on school bus operators to reconsider proposed fare increases and to proceed with caution when contemplating rate adjustments.
The agency said should the increase not be avoided due to unforeseen circumstances, operators must ensure that services provided could justify the fares imposed, including aspects such as vehicle safety and seating capacity.
"Fair negotiations (on fares) should also be conducted with parents to ensure the interests of both parties are taken into account," the agency told the New Straits Times.
The agency said this in response to the statement made by the Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia, which warned parents about the possible fare hike when schools reopen in March.
Its president Amali Munif Rahmat said parents, especially those in the Klang Valley, should anticipate a monthly rise between RM10 to RM20.
He also attributed the decision to the implementation of a minimum wage of RM1,500 in July last year, as well as the surge in prices for imported spare parts, compounded by the weakened ringgit.
The association in Dec last year had reportedly said that operators have the autonomy to set their rates for services following the government's decision in 2015 to cease regulating school bus fares.
Following this, Apad said that the current rates should be more flexible as operators could negotiate directly with parents.
"The fare rates are no longer regulated by the government since 2015 to ensure the industry is more sustainable and its service quality in terms of safety and comfort for children can be improved.
"Hence, the current rates are based on agreements between parents and operators, which means that it is more flexible and is fixed through negotiations with several factors taken into account," said the agency, adding that operators won't increase the fares suddenly without negotiating following risks of losing customers.
At the same time, the agency also reminded parents not to use unregistered school bus services for the safety of their children.