As the budget debate draws near,amongst many topics discussed,the single most talked about issue is the government spending $1-1 billion to help listed public transport operators out. Many questions were raised. Why? How is this going to be done? How is this going to help the commuters better? Do we need more buses or better utilization of buses? Accountability and transparency on the proper use of this fund is important. Apart from buying buses,what other uses of this fund should be spelled out. Also how do we measure the outcomes of this exercise? Will the government do the same for the train operators?
If the government needs to pump in assets to the transport companies because the transport companies do not have the means to expand their fleet to meet commuter demand,wouldn’t it be better for the govt. to have a relook on the future role of government’s involvement in land transport.?
Maybe consider setting up a not for profit Statutory Transport Board to run the land transport. Whatever profits the board makes must be ploughed back for upgrading and improved efficiency.
Bus and MRT fares are political decisions so the current transport companies need government consent for any fare hike .With the Stat board the government can allow the board set its own fares based on an open and transparent system of operation. Currently the two public listed companies are divided between commuter interests and shareholders .There is no conflict of interest if a stat board runs the operation. THEIR MAIN FOCUS IS COMMUTER INTEREST.
