Malaysians above 21 in possession of a competent driving licence (CDL) for light vehicles may obtain a public service vehicle (PSV) licence to drive taxis or private vehicles through e-hailing. PSV licence holders with CDL for heavy vehicles may drive full-size buses.
As bus drivers ferry large number of commuters daily, their conduct has a huge impact on the lives of passengers and other road users. The public tend to stereotype negatively drivers of commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses and lorries.
Many passengers call bus drivers captains, as their lives depend on the man behind the wheel. However, many bus drivers do not live up to expectations. They are far from real captains that command ships, airplanes, sports teams or group of staff under their charge.
But bus drivers are not the only ones with glorified titles. The same goes for owners of small and micro enterprises using designations such as managing director or chief executive officer when none of their employees are paid market salary for managers.
So, how can bus drivers change for the better? A multipronged approach is necessary to tackle the entire ecosystem as piecemeal efforts have minimal impact. A complete transformation of the local bus industry is needed to get rid of outmoded systems and poor work culture.
Contrary to popular belief, efficient private bus firms can run bus service profitably even by charging fares below regulated rates. On the other hand, companies set up by the government to provide bus service have incurred huge losses through leakages, wastages and pilferages.
Offering free bus service using taxpayers’ money is no better as the primary aim is to gain popularity. If the authorities are sincere, issuing value-loaded cards to the needy that can be topped up monthly would allow commuters to travel on any bus route within the state.
This is far cheaper and more efficient than operating free-service buses that are running almost empty most of the time and polluting the environment. To taxpayers and commuters that don’t get free rides to where they want to go, these buses are real eyesores.
Some years ago, the interim stage bus support fund (ISBSF) was introduced to give life support to stage bus companies so that they continue to service unprofitable routes. The indefinite delays in releasing ISBSF have caused many firms to collapse or in suspended animation.
By right, the critical shortage of bus drivers should have driven up wages but instead have led to bus companies using drivers they rather not have but were forced to do so to keep buses running and routes serviced.
Apart from introducing business-friendly policies, the government can easily make a huge contribution to the road transport industry by making a concerted effort to train Malaysians to take up commercial vehicle driving as a stable career.
The starting pay for driving buses and lorries is normally higher than what many fresh graduates with bachelor’s degree are paid in the market. Those handling trailers are earning much more than many with master’s degree.
The short training programme allows candidates to obtain a CDL for heavy vehicles, plus a PSV or Goods Driving Licence (GDL). After gaining valuable driving experience, drivers with potential can be trained to assume supervisory or management positions.
Training of bus drivers must start with a change of mindset and attitude, as personal development is grossly lacking in our education system, coupled with poor work culture prevalent in many organisations providing public service.
Large bus companies, such as Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd, could organise essay writing contests for children of bus drivers on how they look up to the parent to serve the public and raise the family. Distributing RM100 to all entries will get overwhelming response, apart from top prizes.
Meaningful essays can be compiled and distributed using smartphone for drivers and their families to read and practise. If contests are held annually, a more caring culture at the workplace and within the homes of drivers could be nurtured over time.
Training should focus on interpersonal communication skill, which is the main weakness of Malaysians. Although the right words help, the tone of the voice is far more important, but most critical are body language and facial expression.
Finally, people tend to do unsavoury things if they think they can get away with it. The best deterrent for bus drivers will be an in-cabin camera facing them, dashcam for the road ahead and another camera recording traffic behind.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
