School bus fare increase inevitable, says association

PETALING JAYA: The increase in school bus fees can’t be avoided if the industry is to survive, said the Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia president Mohd Haron Mohamad Sidik.

He said the hike of between 25% to 30% was due to the high maintenance cost and the rise in minimum wage and illegal school bus operators, reported Sinar Harian.

He said the academic calendar would revert to January starting in 2026, which means that school buses would only be operated for 11 months in a year, with the holidays in December.

“However, expenses such as insurance, road tax, Pushpakom checks, bank loans and cost of living are year-round,” said Mohd Haron on Saturday (Nov 23)

He said the Transport Ministry has also revoked the special incentive by not allowing them to rent buses during school holidays.

“This further burdens the income of bus operators,” added Mohd Haron.