Why should bus terminal operators control ticket sales?

The Malaysian express bus industry is facing a new regulatory burden that raises serious concerns about competition, commercial freedom, and the government's understanding of public transport. From November 1, 2026, all express bus tickets must be sold exclusively through licensed bus terminals, shifting control over ticket sales from bus operators to terminal operators.

This new directive, issued by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), is difficult to justify and has little precedent elsewhere. It is questionable why terminal operators should have the exclusive right to sell tickets for a bus service they do not operate, similar to the hypothetical scenario of airlines allowing airport operators to sell their tickets.

The proposal disregards the distinct commercial functions of bus operators and terminal operators, with the former responsible for running services and maintaining fleets, while the latter provides infrastructure. The transport ministry should reconsider Apad's directive before it takes effect.

Brief written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.