KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Feb 2018:
More than 300 passengers heading to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year celebration were stranded for a few hours when their buses did not appear as scheduled at the Duta Bus Terminal here last night.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) senior general manager (enforcement) Datuk Che Hasni Che Ahmad said the delay could be because bus operators were trying to avoid the commission’s Op Serkap.
“About 10 buses did not arrive from 8pm onwards as they may be trying to avoid checks by SPAD for not having the Temporary Variation License (LPS) or have committed other offences,” he told a press conference on the operation at the bus terminal.
Che Hasni said Op Serkap from Feb 9 to 25 would involve all bus terminals to ensure the safety of express bus passengers.
When contacted later, Che Hasni said six buses appeared after 11pm.
SPAD has issued a circular reminding express bus operators nationwide to place utmost priority on safety of their passengers and other road users during the Chinese New Year celebration.
In a statement, SPAD said it would apply the maximum force of the law against bus operators found to be negligent in managing their operations, including aspects such as safety, vehicle maintenance and driver management.
“Depending on the severity of the offence, bus companies risk having their licences suspended or revoked.”
To ensure adequate buses for this festive period, SPAD has approved LPS applications from 108 bus companies to provide additional 313 buses.
The statement further said that it had joined hands with police, Road Transport Department, National Anti-Drug Agency and highway enforcement agencies as part of an integrated enforcement exercise for 17 days, until Feb 25.
“This includes public engagement to create awareness at terminals and 24-hour checks running from Feb 14, 15 and 18 when public transport movement is expected to be at its highest.”
– Bernama