In the midst of price reductions and price controls enforced and supervised by the government, the Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) is now forwarding a demand of a whopping 100% increase in bus fares.

This shows how selfish, inconsiderate and opportunist they are. According to the association’s president Ashfar Ali, if the increase is to be reduced to 70%, then the government should fulfill some conditions set by the association.

This association is very cruel since the increase it is asking for would drastically affect the lower- income group, who are the major users of the buses.

Prior to this, the bus operators were allowed to charge a 30% surcharge during the recent festive season on top of the normal fare following the increase in the price of petrol and diesel.

Now, that the price of petrol and diesel have been considerably reduced over the past few months, what the bus commuters expected from the bus operators was the scrapping of the 30% surcharge.

However, they were in for shock and distress as the 30% charge is still being maintained despite the end of the festive season.

If the demand from PMBOA is approved, it will definitely create misery and anger among the bus commuters. As it is, they are burdened with the high cost of consumables due to the selfish and stubborn attitude of traders who have not reduced their retail prices to justify the drop in the price of oil.

Certainly, the frequent bus commuters would not be able to accept the authorities’ approval of the PMBOA demand as they are already feeling the pinch of the 30% surcharge.

The president of PMBOA indicated their demand was justified and their members revenue was marginal at current fares. He also ticked off those who complained about the price increase to operate their own bus services.

From this comment, it looks as though the majority of the operators are running at a loss. If that is true, then how did they manage to operate and survive such long period of time until now.

I hardly read or heard of any strong demand from bus operators to increase their fares prior to this current demand.

If at all I am right, in Malaysia buses are allowed on the road even if they are relatively old. Therefore, I am sure any demand from PMBOA to the government for a fare increase before this would have been approved , if found to be genuine and reasonable.

I rest, not only mine but also that of all the bus commuters’, case, and leave it to the relevant ministries to decide whether to give a breather in the midst of this economic crisis.

Bus commuters are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this demand by PMBOA.