PETALING JAYA: Consumers and bus operators in the Klang Valley support the Land Public Transport Commission’s (SPAD) Public Transport Master Plan.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj welcomed the single card for bus, rail, metro and monorail networks. The move is to be implemented in 2018.

“We really need this fully integrated transport system. With one card you can travel anywhere. In other countries it has been implemented for some time,” he said.

He added that the 11 additional Bus Rapid Transit routes and two more integrated bus terminals, which are in the planning stage, were a good idea as having a good bus system was the key to seamless public transport.

Selvaraj said there must also be proper planning and monitoring of the routes and frequent bus services.

“The bus system is key as commuters need to take them from their houses to the LRT or MRT stations. Good connectivity, affordability and reliability are also important.

“This is needed in order for people to feel comfortable with public transport and leave their cars when they travel.”

Joseph Ban, 22, expressed his support for the one-card system as it would reduce the likelihood of losing cards due to crime or carelessness.

“For example, with one card people can easily slot it into their name tags. This way, we also don’t have to take out our wallets too often and risk dropping it or losing it to pick-pockets,” said Ban, who works for an insurance company.

“Budgeting and calculation of my transportation expenditure will also be much easier because it is all in one. And if there are any promotions, discounts or increases in fares, you can easily notice it.”

Administrative assistant Genesis Wong, 25, said his wallet would feel lighter with the system as he now uses two cards to travel to and from Kajang and Kuala Lumpur via the bus, LRT and KTMB Komuter train.

“If I can cut down two cards to one, and with certain bus companies still using cash, using only one card will make it very convenient for me,” he added.

The Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators Associations, which represents more than 10,000 operators, was also pleased that the Government planned to release another RM142.74mil in funds for the Interim Bus Stage Bus Support Fund.

Association secretary-general Md Saad Mohamad noted that the funds were needed to replace buses that were 25 years old or older.

“These days, schools want new buses with air-conditioning and equipped with the latest features.

“Bus operators need subsidies and funds to buy them,” said Md Saad.

He added that a new bus now costs between RM400,000 and RM600,000, while a van costs between RM80,000 and RM150,000.