Kuala lumpur: The new regulations for express bus services, effective from June 15, aim to streamline service classification and strengthen enforcement against operators without involving any fare increases, according to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, APAD announced that express bus fares have been unchanged since 2013, despite some executive category operators selling tickets below the minimum fare, causing consumer confusion over service categories. The agency emphasized that this practice could lead to unsustainable competition and imbalance in demand and supply, ultimately burdening consumers with higher fares during festive seasons.

APAD highlighted two new regulations: the Land Public Transport (Determination of Categories of Express Bus Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and the Land Public Transport (Fare Rates for Express Bus Services) Regulations 2026, which improve existing regulations since 2021. These amendments change the classification method from seat numbers to seat row configuration.

Under the new classification, an Economy Category Express Bus is defined by a 2+2 twin seat arrangement, while an Executive Category Express Bus includes at least one row of single seats (2+1). This clearer classification helps users identify service categories more easily and facilitates enforcement against operators who fail to comply with licensing conditions and fare structures.

The new regulations aim to ensure transparent implementation of express bus service classifications, protect consumer rights based on chosen service classes, and create fair competition in the land public transport industry. The express bus fare for the Economy category remains at a maximum rate of RM0.093 per kilometre, and the Executive category at a minimum rate of RM0.15 per kilometre, with a maximum rate not exceeding RM300.

APAD stressed that the government has not increased express bus fares since 2013, despite rising operating costs, maintenance, and fuel prices in the public transport industry. The agency remains committed to ensuring policies and regulations consider the interests of consumers, industry operators, and the sustainability of the country's public transport system.

APAD also advised the public to seek authentic information through official channels of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and APAD, warning against spreading inaccurate or misleading information.