SPAD: Sufficient busses for Hari Raya

IPOH: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has assured the public that there will be sufficient buses during the Hari Raya rush period.
Commission chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar (pix) said there would be enough buses despite a lower number of applications for temporary permits to operate extra bus services.
"The figure is low compared to previous years when bus operators would apply for the permits to meet the demand," he told reporters after visiting the Amanjaya Bus Terrminal here today.
He said people need not worry about public transport in the peak season as there are also other services like the ETS.
"I also urge the public not to buy tickets from touts or from unauthorised people as there are enough services available from genuine operators," he added.
On his visit to the terminal, Syed Hamid said he wants to see the development and effectiveness of the Stage Bus Service Transformation project funded by the state government which began operating on June 1.
"At present there are 40 buses servicing 321km on 19 routes in the city for the benefit of those using public transport," he added. The fare is between RM1 and RM4.50 depending on the distance operated by PerakTransit Berhad.
Initially the route was only 132km and was later increased to 312km.
The project has also been implemented in Ipoh, Seremban (110 buses) and Perlis (27 buses).
The commissison is negotiating with local authorities in Johor and Terengganu on the routes before implementing the project undertaken by the government.
Syed Hamid said the objective of the project which cost RM72 million a year for the five towns is not for profit but for the convenience of the people.
The government aims to introduce the service in all capital towns in the country.