The 'New' Penang Bus Service

Categories: Malaysia
With the new revamped bus system in Penang it is hoped that it will provide a better service to the public. Now they have introduced a zoning system where each bus company can only provide its service within their bus zone. But can this system works? I am not so sure not because of the system per se but because the same companies that provided the lousy service we have now will continue to provide their 'service' under the new revamped system.

Why can't the authority realise that it is not so much of the system that is at fault but the underlying philosophy of the company that is the problem. There don't seem to have any mission statement and they don't even have a formal employee system. Apparently, most of the bus drivers are 'free-lance' driver that just signed up to run a route for the company. As such, there is no company philosophy to talk about. If such system is to be continued, then I think the problem will continue.

I am surprise the old company were not terminated because past record do count. If you look at any transaction, any past track record of the company is important. If previously they had run into some difficulty, then they will have a harder time in convincing the potential trade partner how they have changed. In our case, it is strange that with such lousy 10-year track record, these companies are still given a second chance.

Another surprising thing is why no tender is called for the bus service. If a tender is called, at least the authority can study a companies new action plan, fresh ideas from a different angle and this may help in further improved the system. Granted that because of our affirmative policy, such companies may be persuased to go into a joint venture with other companies. The end result is a 'win-win' policy where the company with the best ideas won the day, a joint venture is created and most importantly, Penangites get to have a good bus service.

Only time will tell. Maybe I am too pessimistic but judging from previous examples, maybe I am justified.