I refer to the malaysiakini report Bus crash kills 20, two in critical condition .

Inter-state bus rides in this country have been a gamble for the longest time, and they not likely to become any less dangerous in the coming months. In six weeks time, the exodus from the cities for Hari Raya will begin, and with most Malaysians transported by buses, how will things be then?

The ministers, the agencies and associated gangs have made great promises in wake of the Bukit Gantang tragdedy, with assurances of great care and diligence. However, most of the rakyat are at best, bemused.

Will they continue with the policy of issuing temporary permits to casual bus operators (school/factory buses) for the holiday crowd? And if they do not, then pray, tell how these people are going to make it home for the holidays?

Secondly, the whole fleet of a bus company will be suspended if any one of their buses is involved in an accident. Transnasional Sdn Bhd operates nationwide and has many buses running all the time, and putting them on hold after one bus hits a ditch in Gopeng is just asking for a riot at Puduraya this Raya.

Anyway, are the owners of the bus companies genuinely interested in the welfare of their passengers if they are so shoddy in their commitment to all the elements within their powers which determine road safety to their passengers? This is the heart of the problem, the service providers, and perhaps in understanding why they are not bothered about safety will explain what we can do to improve things.

Regulation is about partnerships, and developing a winning relationship. A confrontational one gives short-term benefits only. The truth might be, the type of people we give bus service licences to are very bad businessmen - or worse very bad humans.

And the appalling truth is that the ones who take buses to crisscross this country, ride in 'lottery vehicles'. Our 'bingo' is always a bad turn away. Perhaps other people should be encouraged to provide mass road transport in this country to show how it is supposed to be done.

Bus travel is essential in Malaysia. But bad operators of this service are not necessary. However. the 'rakyat' must accept the eventuality of higher bus fares to reflect improvements in comfort, professionalism and safety.

The real solutions of our modern times are never sexy. Real solutions are long-term applications of reason and sensibility with the utilisation of good people without interference from those seeking glamour and short-cuts.