PETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) has been criticised for deciding to limit express bus ticket sales to Apad-licensed bus terminals from Nov 1.
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Ashfar Ali said he received a letter from Apad dated Oct 16 about the new rule and the association was "caught flatfooted".
“We were not consulted or asked about anything. We do not know why this was done,” he told FMT, adding that he is pushing for a meeting with Apad over the matter.
Ashfar argued that this new rule was unfair to customers, as online agents could offer better prices through deals with bus operators, benefiting users.
“Passengers can jump from one online agent to another to compare pricing. They might lose that flexibility now.”
He also said bus operators have spent money developing their own websites and online ticketing systems, which would go to waste once the new rule takes effect.
In the circular, Apad said express bus terminals have been given absolute rights over ticket sales for passengers using their services, which meant trip management and sales transactions would fall under the responsibility of terminals.
The agency also said a new commercial charge for digital platform services will be imposed on bus operators, not passengers, with the rate to be reviewed periodically.
According to the New Straits Times, Apad said tickets could still be purchased through online travel agencies or bus operators’ websites if the operators owned the terminals outright.
However, Ashfar said most terminals are owned by private companies or the government.