According to a report in The Star Online, Bus operators could soon be subjected to the Safety Star Grading (SSG) programme as a step to help the improvement of their services, explained Anthony Loke, the Transport Minister for Malaysia.
Bus Services Due to Improve from Safety Star Grading Programme
Loke was quoted by The Star Online as stating that the programme was being realised on voluntary basis at this moment in time, whilst adding that it has been effective in yielding a sense of confidence to the public.
Furthermore, he stated that if the programme was made mandatory and the services were improved, bus operators could make use of this as a base to increase their fares.
“This programme is good because it gives confidence to the public. More stars mean better services, safety and efficiency,’’ he told reporters, following a visit to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).
The SSG programme gives a star-rating that is based on the level of safety compliance by bus operators and through the programme, allowing the public to know the safety level of operators.
According to The Sun Online, Loke stated that in excess of 36,000 permits had been issued for numerous bus operations. “As the programme is conducted on a voluntary basis, the low number of participants is not surprising. If we can make it compulsory, as we are seriously considering, it could give a sense of competition for bus operators to improve their services and safety standards.”
Loke continued, “when their services are good and the public are satisfied with it, the operators may have a good argument to ask for a fare hike.”
