Syed Hamid: People still using public transport despite price hikes

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent increase in public transportation fares has not deterred the public from utilising these services, said Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar (pix).
His comments follows Prasarana's one million daily ridership today, a milestone in the country's efforts to improve the public transportation sector.
Syed Hamid said other incentives provided to the public, like discount systems for students and persons with disabilities (OKU), have eased the public's difficulties in adjusting to the recently announced fare hikes.
"In terms of the number of passengers, there has not been any effects. From the figures that we have, the number of passengers continues to increase and is very encouraging," he told a press conference during a walkabout at several rail stations in Kuala Lumpur today.
Syed Hamid said the government will continue to support the operational costs of the rail system in the country, up to RM250 million per year.
On whether there will be a revision of public transportation fares following the decrease in oil prices, Syed Hamid said it was unreasonable to determine the fares based on the fluctuation of market prices.
"You can't predict it, there are also other costs to be taken into account. I think this is a non-issue," he said.
Prasarana today announced that it now boasts 1,001,800 average daily passengers covering the LRT Kelana Jaya line, LRT Ampang line, Monorail line and Rapid KL bus services.