By YS Chan
Once express bus fares are deregulated, many operators will invest in new buses to cater to their own niche market.
Some will settle for nothing less than the most high-end and expensive European chassis, and commission local coach builders to construct the bus body to equally high standards.
Others may opt for much cheaper bus chassis from China but the engines and transmissions may be sourced from top manufacturers around the world, providing good value for money.
In any case, bus services depend very much on the corporate culture of bus companies, starting from the very top and trickling down to drivers’ behaviour.
If driving institutes can churn out sufficient Malaysians with the public service vehicle licences needed to drive buses, then bus operators should prefer teetotallers who do not smoke or indulge in drugs.
Bus companies could collaborate with driving institutes, making known the number of fresh drivers they wish to recruit and conduct preliminary interviews with.
Apart from offering a reasonable salary, the pay scale ought to be disclosed, with increments ahead of inflation and providing incentives for double or triple increments.
If bus operators can match companies registered with the Association of Malaysia Hauliers, these drivers can stand to earn between RM3,000 and RM7,000 per month, which is far more than most graduates are paid in our country.
But this scenario will not materialise as long as express bus fares are regulated. Deregulation may see a new company operating budget class express bus services and deriving profits from volume; similar to what AirAsia has done successfully for air transport.
The habits of bus drivers are the best indicators about the standard of service they provide. The company may schedule enough rest time for them but this alone does not ensure they have proper sleep. For those unable to do so at home, the company should provide sound-proof sleeping quarters for them before they embark on any long distance trip.
When drivers are outstation, they must have easy access to budget hotels near where their buses are parked instead of wasting time rushing between the two. Local authorities must allow entrepreneurs to offer sleeping capsules, which are small containers with a mattress in it and sound-proof, as they are designed for people to sleep soundly.
If bus depots are built in all major cities, buses can be parked there to be cleaned and checked overnight, instead of being parked all over the place, including illegally by the roadside. These depots must have shower facilities and sleeping capsules for the drivers, which will lower their overnight expenses and ensure they are ready and fresh for another day’s journey.
Drivers should be encouraged to exercise daily, either before dinner or breakfast, and drink more water instead of coffee or tea. But it would be a tough act for them to find healthy food to eat. Malaysians take great pride in food that is delicious, made so with extra oil, salt, sugar, spice, preservatives and artificial flavour and colour.
The healthiest foods are those prepared with minimal cooking, such as steamed or stir-fried, but we prefer our chicken and fish to be deep-fried. Many drivers hardly eat fresh fruits and green vegetables. The key to good health is consuming a variety of foods in small portions but most of us overeat what we like most and refrain from eating food we do not enjoy, even if it is exactly what our body needs.
Drivers’ health will deteriorate from over-consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks. Together with lack of exercise and sleep, they are a recipe for disaster.
Their character and attitude can easily be gauged by the way they dress as well as their body language. Calling them bus captains is a joke, especially for those who dress shabbily. Drivers have to learn to respect themselves before they can truly respect others. Those who do are smartly dressed and courteous, but many others do not even bother to make eye contact with passengers, much less give them a welcoming smile.
It should be part of the standard operating procedure for bus drivers to face and greet passengers personally before embarking on any journey, besides giving the assurance that he will drive safely.
Malaysians too must learn to show appreciation by tipping the driver. Even one ringgit can start a chain reaction of goodwill.
Instead of being proud of ourselves but do a lousy job, we should be proud of our work and do an excellent job. For bus drivers, it is critical as many lives are in their hands.
YS Chan is an FMT reader.
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