I refer to the statements made by the bosses of Penang bus companies KGN and Milan that were reported in the media recently with regards to the launch of the RapidPenang bus service. In the report, they lamented about how they had to put up with unfair competition and the tough situation they now faced because bus users now have an alternative option when using the public transportation system.

It truly amazes me how these bus operators - who for so many years literally had the monopoly on the various routes in Penang and were not able to take advantage of it and secure loyal customers - now complain when someone else lures their customers away. Can they blame Penangites for being so eager to switch to an alternative operator the minute there is one?

After all Milan, KGN and even Transit Link, in the many years they were in operation, did absolutely nothing to ensure that their customers were given good service. Instead, customers had to endure one of the worst bus services in country for more than 15 years! KGN says it has been in the trade for 30 years and is this reflected in the kind of pathetic service they continue dish out?

Even when the state government took a gamble and gave these bus operators a second chance under the controversial revamped system launched in April last year, they refused to buck up and put their customers first. The only reason these bus operators continued to survive is because the people had no other choice but to use the deplorable service doled out by these unapologetic operators.

Did they really think they could go on like this and the people of Penang would just sit by idly and do nothing about it? The public has made crystal clear its demands of bus operators - clean, efficient and polite service. The numerous and persistent calls by the public for better public transport has finally born fruit and its time for the people to taste the sweetness.

If today, the severely 'outdated' bus operators are facing stiff competition, it is only because they have brought it upon themselves by their own inaction and negligence - don't blame the state or federal government.

Even now, it is not too late. In an increasingly globalised world, healthy competition is necessary as an impetus for progress. KGN, Milan and Transit Link should take this opportunity to finally make a change for the better failing which they face the real risk of being completely left behind. This serves as a good lesson to those who think that public opinion does not count. As for similar complaints made by taxi operators, perhaps it's time to bring in alternative taxi operators?