The Malaysian Bus Operators Association has reminded its members to duly apply for the temporary variation licence (TVL) if they intend to provide additional services in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
The association’s president, Mohamad Ashfar Ali said they should submit their applications to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) between Jan 4 and Jan 16 or face action if they failed to do so.
“The TVL would be enforced on Jan 16 until Jan 31,” he said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.
According to him, the operators might likely increase the fares by 10 percent to cover maintenance costs and staff salary. He advised bus operators to inspect their vehicles before starting their journey to avoid accident risks.
Meanwhile, a Bernama survey at certain ticketing counters in the federal capital found that sale of tickets for east coast-bound buses was brisk compared to those for south-bound.
Putra station-based Syarikat Budaya Ekspress ticket clerk Harnani Othman, 31, said tickets to Kelantan for Jan 20 were almost sold out.
“The old fare of between RM39 and RM45 is still being maintained but it might probably increase a little,” she said. Syarikat Konsortium Mutiara ticket clerk Syafiq Ramli, 20, said tickets to Kelantan for Jan 21 and 22 have been sold out, with only those to Kuala Terengganu remaining.
“The company does not intend to provide additional trips,” he said.
North-bound Bus Mara Liner ticket clerk Mohd Sobri Mohd Shahid, 26, said tickets for Jan 20 until 22 to Alor Setar, Kedah have been sold out
“Our company will arrange for additional trips if there is a request,” he said.
At Pudu Sentral, Seri Maju Ekspress ticket clerk who wanted to be identified only as Lim, 29, said tickets to Alor Setar, Kedah for Jan 21 have been sold out.
“For this Chinese New Year we have not increased the fares and if there is a request, the company will arrange for additional trips,” she said.
– Bernama
CJMY
Jimmy Tan
