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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called on express bus and school bus operators to refrain from raising fares in light of the recent implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy in the peninsula. Loke emphasized that these operators continue to benefit from subsidized diesel through fleet cards provided under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS).
“They should not raise their bus fares. They are not affected by the increase in the diesel price because school bus and express bus operators are still receiving subsidies. So what reason do they have to raise the fares?” Loke stated during a press conference following the 57th Asean Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM).
Loke addressed rumors suggesting potential fare increases for school, express, and tour buses following the new subsidy implementation, which saw diesel prices rise by over 50% starting Monday. He clarified that express bus fares cannot be arbitrarily increased as they fall under the jurisdiction of the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
Regarding school buses, Loke noted that while the government does not control these fares, it encourages operators to engage in discussions with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to reach amicable agreements.
In contrast, Loke acknowledged that tour bus fares might see slight increases since the tourism sector does not receive diesel subsidies. “Maybe there will be a little increase in the cost for the tourists, but I think it is acceptable for them,” he commented.
In another development, Loke addressed concerns raised by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad about the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) project. Mahathir had claimed that there was insufficient information about the project despite visible progress.
Loke expressed his respect for Mahathir as a national statesman but asserted that Mahathir's claims were incorrect. “To say that there was no revelation about RTS is wrong. If Tun wants complete information, I am ready to give him a special briefing,” Loke stated.
The government remains committed to ensuring transparency and addressing any concerns regarding significant infrastructure projects like the RTS Link. This stance underscores Loke’s readiness to provide detailed briefings to interested parties to maintain public trust and clarity.
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