SPAD to set up bus lab to improve express bus service quality

PETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will be setting up a bus laboratory focusing on ways to improve the service quality, security and sustainability of the bus industry, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said.

Nancy said the lab which will be set up next month will also focus on the business model of the bus industry, ways to deal with driver shortage, proposals to improve the drivers' welfare, technological approaches, policies and licensing requirements, as well as ways to improve the quality of bus terminals and its infrastructures.

"The lab will involve the participation and take into consideration the views of industry players and public from the Peninsular.

"The government, through the relevant agencies, will continue to work closely with bus operators, associations, agencies and stakeholders to improve the quality of the express bus services and passenger safety," she said in a statement.

Noting that the Chinese New Year celebration and holidays are around the corner, she reminded all bus companies to give priority to all aspects of driving and passenger safety which includes the examination of the driver's condition particularly before the journey.

"I have also instructed SPAD to enhance their risk-based auditing on the express bus operators to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct for SPAD-Industrial Safety (ICOP)," she said.

She explained that SPAD's Safety ICOP clearly states that express bus operators are responsible to ensure all aspects of drivers and vehicle maintenance is done correctly and regularly.

On the ongoing investigation into the express bus tragedy at Pagoh on Christmas eve, Nancy revealed that detailed investigation is currently being conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to determine the cause of the accident with assistance from other government agencies.

"While we await the outcome of the investigation, I urge the media and public not to speculate on the cause," she said.