The government is studying the feasibility of giving away free bus tickets for the purpose of lessening the rakyat's economic burden after the rise in highway tolls, Works Minister Fadillah Yusof said in a report in Sinchew Daily .

The Transport Ministry, Finance Ministry, and the Land Public Transport Commission are discussing if it's possible to issue free bus tickets to students and office workers in order to encourage the use of public transport and to save travel expenses, he was reported as saying.

NONE He added the government could follow the UK and offer transport discount cards to save expenses and alleviate travel congestion.

"We think that compared to fuel subsidies, free bus tickets or discount cards can benefit the people more directly. The government is analysing the feasibility of the measures and consulting experts. If the public response is positive, these measures may be implemented in the future," Fadillah ( right ) said.

He stressed that before increasing the toll rates, many factors should be considered, including highway companies, bank loans, cost of highway maintenance, and the plight of low-income groups.

Balancing interests

"We will balance the interests between people and highway companies. We will not increase the burden on people," Fadillah said.

Highway companies can adjust the toll rate every three to five years according to the contract. The government must allow the highway companies to do this, or the government's reputation will be affected," he added.

Although the cabinet has agreed on the adjustment of highway toll rates in principle, he will submit another report to the cabinet.

"It's up to the cabinet if the toll rates are to be increased fully, partially or cannot be increased at all. However negotiations with highway companies are still going on."

Fadillah said the government is also focused on constructing public facilities such as the MTR, LRT and bus services in order to solve traffic woes permanently.

"The government will probably not build more highways owing to the limited land resources. The highways will still be jammed even if the government builds more roads."

Fadillah added that people living in urban areas should also realise that city dwellers all over the world are facing the same problems, such as traffic congestion and the high cost of living.