The Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) said today lower fuel cost cannot be used as the basis to reduce express bus fares because they also depend on other factors.

Spad chairperson Syed Hamid Albar said fuel cost only comprised 11 to 20 percent of the overall cost of bus fares.

“Many other factors also determine the fluctuation in bus fares, including the cost of maintenance, tyres and insurance.

“Fuel only involves between 11 percent and 20 percent of the overall cost unless the reduction stays for a prolonged period,” he told reporters after a first-hand look at the transport operations at the Segamat Bus and Taxi Terminal.  

However, Syed Hamid said Spad would look into the matter of bus fares from time to time.

He also said that Spad had approved 140 Temporary Transition Licences (LPS) for buses in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

“We will approve more LPS if there is a demand and to make sure that the people get to travel home without any hassle,” he said.

On another matter, Syed Hamid said parents should boycott school bus operators who raise school bus fares.  

“As consumers, they (parents) can opt for operators who charge reasonable fares,” he said.   

- Bernama