Its loud and clear that parents should have no worries to their children's school bus hikes. I received this press statement from SPAD dated 31st December 2013 stated that...
- SPAD has not approved new fare and any surcharge on school bus.
- Representatives from Persatuan Bas Sekolah Malaysia (PPPBSM) and Gabungan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Malaysia (GPBSM) has agreed on 24th December 2013.
- 3 significant elements are considered:
parents/school associations.
- New scheme to supplement school bus
drivers income and to fully utilise the working hours.
- Market forces to transform the school bus industry
would promote healthy competition amongst
operators.
- A careful study that will not burden the parents and school bus to provide quality services
- Parents who felt they are overcharged, may lodge complaint
PRESS STATEMENT
SPAD HAS NOT APPROVED NEW FARE AND ANY SURCHARGE FOR SCHOOL BUS
KUALA LUMPUR (31 December 2013): Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (“S.P.A.D.”) as of date has not approved new fare and any surcharge on school bus as quoted in certain news dailies recently. S.P.A.D. has met with representatives from Persatuan-Persatuan Bas Sekolah Malaysia (“PPPBSM”) and Gabungan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Malaysia (“GPBSM”) on 24th December 2013 and both parties has come to the consensus that there will be no surcharge or price hike for school bus fare until S.P.A.D. announces the new school bus fare scheme in March 2014.
Currently, SPAD is finalising the new school bus fare scheme while taking into account 3 significant elements.
Firstly, SPAD is conducting engagement sessions with parents / school associations.
Secondly, S.P.A.D. is looking into a new scheme to supplement income of school bus drivers and to fully utilise the working hours instead of the current practice where school bus drivers / operators only operate at certain hours of the school day therefore reducing the need to increase school bus fares. This new school bus driver income supplement scheme will complement the new school bus fare scheme.
Lastly, S.P.A.D. is also looking into the possibility of using market forces to transform the school bus industry which would promote healthy competition amongst operators in terms of fare pricing as well as better level of service while moving towards improved self-regulation.
It is crucial these 3 elements are studied carefully so that any government decision will not burden the parents whilst at the same time ensure the viability of the school bus industry in providing quality services.
Therefore, all operators should maintain the current school bus fare structure as approved by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board in August 2009 which is listed below:
Nonetheless, if the parents feel that they are being overcharged, they may call the SPAD hotline at 1-800-887-723 to lodge a complaint.
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