KUCHING (March 30): Local bus company City Public Link Bus Service has announced a fare adjustment for the Kuching/Serian/Kuching route, effective April 1, citing the cancellation of passenger subsidies by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) as one of the reasons.
In a notice published in thesundaypost today, the company stated that this decision follows significant changes in government subsidy policies and operational challenges faced by the company.
According to the notice, the MOTS discontinued passenger subsidies for public bus services effective January 2025.
As a result, fare calculations will now shift to a kilometre-based system, replacing the previous subsidised fare structure.
The company also revealed that it had appealed to federal agencies, particularly the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP), for operational subsidies.
“However, financial support was only extended until March 2024, with delays in disbursement and insufficient amounts to sustain services.
“To maintain service reliability and cover rising costs (fuel, maintenance, wages), we regrettably must adjust fares for the Kuching/Serian/Kuching route based on the normal fare structure,” it stated.
City Public Link also urged MOTS to reconsider reinstating subsidies to ensure affordable public transport for all, highlighting the potential burden this adjustment may place on passengers.
The company emphasised that this decision was made only after exhausting all alternatives and expressed hope that passengers and authorities would recognise the challenges public transport operators face due to subsidy withdrawals and rising costs.
The Borneo Post is reaching out to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin for comments regarding the withdrawal of subsidies.
