I refer to the malaysiakini article Bukit Gantang - time for change .

This refers to the problems Malaysians are having with their express buses and all the related problems with their service. The problems faced by the express bus companies cannot be solved with each problem or accident that happens. It must be solved systematically with the introduction of a totally new concept, system and philosophy.

I would like to suggest to the government to merge all the express bus companies so there is only one to for us Malaysians to deal with. Malaysia is not a very large country in land size compared to America. Yet, America only has one interstate bus company that provides services to all the major US cities and towns. There are only some routes that are not covered by the company called Greyhound, and they are served by a few regional bus companies.

With only one company, it will be easy to monitor the express bus drivers as well as the management. In today's age, everything can be locked into a computer system for the authorities to check, so the drivers simply cannot stray from their designated routes or the management skimp on maintenance.

Drivers and the staff at the designated bus stations should also key into computers the departure and arrival times of the buses so that the drivers know they cannot speed as it would mean that they would arrive before their stipulated time of arrival which should not be allowed. This will also help relatives and friends manage their time well rather standing around bus station like what we see now at Puduraya.

In the US, I could book my interstate bus ticket online. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was such a service in Malaysia where tourists can book their Malaysian express bus tickets from anywhere in the world? And wouldn't it also be interesting if we know exactly when our bus is arriving at the destination and how long we would have to wait to catch a connecting bus to our final destination?

And the newly-formed national express bus company can then have their own hotels that charge low rates for passengers. Bus drivers and other staff too can take a break at these hotels that are located at strategic spots so they do not have to drive for too long. And they can also have their own academy and offer certificates and even diplomas to their staff especially their drivers, engineers and management staff, all of whom require specialised qualification for this essential passenger transportation service.

We also can have such a system where passengers can get connecting buses to go anywhere in the country, and with just one ticket, they can travel all over the country by taking different buses. The tourists from abroad, especially will be delighted if there is such a service that is punctual and reliable, so they can get to visit all the interesting cities in Peninsula Malaysia and get to stay at hotels near the bus stations.

This express bus company must be renamed 'The Long Distance Bus Company' or something appropriate because the word 'express' seems to have a negative connotation.