In a move that will affect thousands of travelers, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has announced a significant fare hike for economy express bus services in Malaysia during the festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri season. Starting April 4 through April 17, 2024, passengers will face a 10% increase in bus ticket prices, a decision approved by the Cabinet to accommodate the surge in demand for transportation services.
This year, as families prepare to come together to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which falls on April 10 and 11, the cost of traveling home will be slightly higher. The festive season surcharge has been set at 0.9 sen per kilometre, raising the fare to 10.2 sen per kilometre from the previous rate of 9.3 sen. This adjustment in bus ticket prices aims to manage the anticipated increase in passengers wishing to return to their hometowns for the celebrations.
In response to the expected rise in demand, APAD has also opened applications for the Temporary Operator Licence (LPS) for express bus services, from March 11 until April 2. The LPS, valid from April 4 to 17, is designed to ensure an adequate supply of express buses during this peak travel period. Express bus operators interested in serving passengers during Hari Raya must comply with specific criteria, including adherence to express bus licence class specifications, a vehicle age limit of no more than 10 years, and the mandatory installation of a global positioning system (GPS).
Applications for the temporary licence are open exclusively for economy services. Even buses and stage buses older than the stipulated age limit but which have passed the Puspakom VR1 Special Report (Code 9009) are encouraged to apply. Operators can submit their applications at any APAD region office or the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Office counters.
Moreover, APAD has called on all operators to uphold high standards of service quality throughout this period. This includes adhering to the established bus ticket prices and travel schedules, ensuring drivers comply with all regulations, and prioritizing passenger safety above all. The agency has made it clear that violations of these conditions will result in strict enforcement actions under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715).
This fare increase and the call for additional bus services highlight the government’s efforts to balance the demand for affordable travel with the need to ensure safe and reliable transportation options for Malaysians during one of the most important cultural celebrations in the country.
As the festive season approaches, travelers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider the fare adjustments in their travel budgets. The temporary increase in fares is a reminder of the challenges in managing public transportation during peak travel times, and the measures taken by authorities to ensure everyone can celebrate Hari Raya with loved ones, despite the higher costs.
