Brickbats as express bus ticket sales limited to Apad-licensed terminals

In October, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) issued a directive limiting express bus ticket sales to terminals licensed by Apad, taking effect from November 1. This move has sparked controversy, as the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBTA) president Ashfar Ali received a letter from Apad on October 16, informing him of the new regulation without prior consultation.

Ashfar expressed his surprise and concern, stating that the association has not been consulted or asked about this decision and is now seeking a meeting with Apad. He criticized the new rule, arguing that it is unfair to customers as online agents can offer better prices through deals with bus operators, providing users with more flexibility to compare prices.

Ashfar also pointed out that bus operators have invested time and money in developing their own ticketing websites and systems, which would become obsolete due to the new regulation. The Apad circular states that express bus terminals have been granted absolute rights over ticket sales, meaning trip management and sales transactions will be the responsibility of the terminals.

The agency also announced a new commercial charge for digital platform services, which will be levied on bus operators rather than passengers, with the rate subject to periodic review. However, Ashfar clarified that tickets can still be purchased through online travel agencies or bus operators' websites if the operators own the terminals outright; most terminals are owned by private companies or the government.