School bus maintenance cost rose 50% to 80%, parents warned to brace for fare hike

The Selangor, Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur School Bus Association (PBSSPKL) is warning parents of a pending school bus fare hike in either June or July.

PBSSPKL’s chairman Mohd. Haron Mohd. Sidik told Kosmo that the association has no choice but to raise school bus fares as maintenance and spare parts cost have risen about 50 to 80 percent.

As of yet, the association has not decided on the amount as they are still in discussion with school bus operators and the customers.

On top of that, he also revealed that there will be extra charges for drop-off and pick-up of students from co-curriculum classes, extra classes, sports activities, tuition, or any other activities that are outside official school hours.

He explains that operators are forced to raise school bus fares as they have reached the point where they can no longer bear the cost of maintenance on the current fare system.

Mohd. Haron also revealed that the association has sent a memorandum to the government suggesting to have the government bear half the cost of the bus fare while parents bear the other half.

He also added that he has reached out to the government to request a diesel fuel subsidy of RM 1 per litre for school bus operators across Malaysia.