The flag-down fare for taxis, which is among the increases, is now RM3 (S$1.20), up from RM2, while passengers will be charged 10 sen for every 115m instead of 150m previously. -- PHOTO: NOR HASNAH ADAM
KUALA LUMPUR - BUS and taxi fares in Malaysia will be raised by about 30 per cent beginning next month.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, said public transport companies were also expected to improve their service standards in line with the fare increases.
'I don't think the public will be shocked by the increase as they have been conditioned for it. The proposed increase has been reported for some time,' he told reporters.
The Cabinet last month agreed to the fare increase for taxis, rental cars, buses and other types of public transport.
Explaining the decision to raise the fares, Mr Nazri said: 'If we don't allow the increase, there may not be any service as no operator will be able to break even or profit.'
He added that one reason some taxi drivers in the country did not want to use meters for their trips was because the current fares were too low.
The flag-down fare for taxis, which is among the increases, is now RM3 (S$1.20), up from RM2, while passengers will be charged 10 sen for every 115m instead of 150m previously.
The last time taxi fares were raised was in 2005.
Monthly school bus fares in urban areas will also increase from RM21.10 to RM27.43 for the first kilometre and from RM1.55 to RM2.02 for every subsequent kilometre. For school buses operating in rural areas, the increase will be from RM15.85 to RM20.61 for every kilometre.
