Johor bus operators ask SPAD for help getting subsidy

JOHOR BARU: All 16 companies under the Johor Bus Operators Association (JPOA) have appealed to the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to help them get the government subsidy which they have not been receiving since January this year.
Pan Malaysia Bus Operator's secretary Suchdav Jotisrop said a memorandum was handed to SPAD in March and till date to response.
"Stage bus operators have been operating as usual plying all the usual routes, including those which are non-profitable without getting the subsidies," he said, adding that among the many non profitable and social routes in Johor include Mersing-Kluang, Segamat-Yong Peng, Air Hitam- Kluang, Kota Tinggi-Johor Baru.
At present, he said, the operators were facing a 40% loss in operation every month with the current bus fare of RM0.90 for 2km ride which has not changed since 2008.
"The operating cost of a fully paid up bus excluding diesel comes to RM8,000 per month and we are charged with GST for the maintenance and replacements of parts," he said.
He said social routes which is inter district routes have less passengers and does not help their operational cost.
With the minimum wage being enforced in July, he added, the drivers basic salary will also go up from RM900.
He said while Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, Kedah and Negri Sembilan had to stop their 90 odd social and non profitable stage bus routes, Johor has no plans to do so.
Suchdav hopes the government will look into their plight and reimburse the subsidy.
"We can only continue operations for a few more days and if things do not improve we are forced to halt our services if the Intrim Stage Bus Scheme Funds (ISBSF) subsidy does not rescue us in time as we have exhausted our money including the petty cash," said Suchdav.
According to a study conducted in the Klang Valley by the government there has been an increase in bus commuters and public transport is boon to reduce traffic congestion especially in the city," he said.