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Sunday July 19, 2009

Enforce these improvements in transport


IN a fortnight, fares for taxis, buses and schoolbuses would have risen 30%. There is no question that private operators of these public transport systems are relieved and overjoyed, or should be.

The last fare increase for schoolbuses was three years ago, and for buses and taxis a year before that.

To help cushion the psychological impact of the fare hike on the commuting public, news about the impending increase had been circulating for a month.

Also to compensate, the transport companies are expected to improve their services.

A requirement for them to do so would have been more encouraging for the public, since expectations alone rest on voluntary efforts that can be disappointing.

To commuters for whom a 30% hike in fares is exorbitant, a comparable increase in incomes would be a more agreeable trade-off.

However, in these economically challenged times, that is unlikely to happen.

Occasional rises in fares are inevitable, and where reasonable should be acceptable.

But even as soon as the fare increases were announced on Thursday, operators of express and stage buses in Kuala Lumpur reportedly expressed indifference in saying it would not do much for the industry.

The expected response of operators to upgrade their ser­vices could prove more elusive, so it needs to be firmed up.

What are these improvements to be made, and how exactly are they to be enforced?

Perhaps one such improvement is for all taxis to issue passengers with receipts.

However, the value-added that receipts represent to a passenger’s journey is open to debate.

There is also the problem of many taxis in many parts of the country still refusing to use meters. An “official” hike in fares could raise their arbitrary rates by more than 30%.

Paying passengers are entitled to enjoy reasonably priced fares with a degree of comfort, cleanliness, efficiency and safety on our buses and taxis.

These concerns should not be considered part of the compensatory improvements.

With the rise in fares, passengers should also enjoy more friendly and courteous service.

The issue goes beyond servicing Malaysians, since public transport is one of the things to leave an indelible impression on visitors to a country.

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