By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Jan 20: The state Transport Ministry has urged bus operators to consider putting up proper schedule signages at bus stop along their routes to improve public transport services.
Its minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said it would be good if operators can provide service information such as timing, routes, traffic updates and more, which can be seen by the public at the bus stand.
“I noticed our bus stops around the cities do not have the required information.
“While it is not a problem for frequent bus users, it would not be user friendly for those first timers, particular the visitors who want to use our bus services while in the city,” Lee told at a press conference here today.
He also pointed out that there is a need for every bus stand to have a dustbin.
Sharing his experience after trying out a public bus service yesterday, Lee said he saw many rubbish thrown indiscriminately.
“There were no rubbish bins around, prompting users to simply leave their rubbish like that, on the ground, seats. For this, I urge the local councils to consider placing rubbish bins in every bus stand,” he continued.
Lee said the ministry also received feedback from various bus operators regarding the high operation cost.
“Apart from competing with ‘van sapu’ (illegal van transport service) or Grab (e-hailing) services, these operators are having difficulties in hiring qualified bus drivers.
“Many of their drivers are old, while the young ones are not interested. Then the cost to get a bus licence is between RM5,000 and RM6,000, which is very expensive,” Lee explained.
He assured that the ministry will find ways to help the operators and public alike, by getting feedback from every sides for practical solutions. — DayakDaily
