4PAM president Ajit Johl said this failure had severely dented the confidence users had in public transport.
“There has been virtually no improvement in the safety and protection of the public transport user,” he said in a statement today.
“Investigation, reporting, licensing, regulation of all aspects of public transport have seen more problems than solutions since SPAD’s creation in June 2010.”
Instead of taking responsibility, Ajit said, industry regulators and players blamed low wages.
“The express bus industry which recently saw the unwarranted deaths of 14 passengers and injury to 16 more, proved the ineffectiveness of the regulator.
“Both the industry and regulator took the opportunity to blame low wages (as the reason for the tragedy) and ask users to pay more. This is a completely insensitive statement and both parties owe an apology to the families of the victims.”
He said often, the operator would merely be given a slap on the wrist after an accident that had caused deaths.
“It will be business as usual until the next incident happens. This has become almost standard practice, with no hint of remorse from the regulator or operator. When will this charade end?” said Ajit.
4PAM has made several suggestions to improve confidence in public transport, beginning with an avenue for users to challenge operators who have been negligent.
“This will ensure that operators abusing the system are taken to task. This is similar to the Financial Mediation Bureau set up by Bank Negara Malaysia,” said Ajit.
4PAM also recommended the setting-up of a public transport tariff review committee.
“A committee comprising stakeholders should review the tariffs. To ensure its effectiveness and transparency, the committee must report to the transport ministry.”
Ajit said the transport ministry should also appoint new deputies to oversee land, sea and air transport.
“These industries have grown rapidly and more complex due to user demands, and with the billions being spent on public transport, there is an urgent need for better governance.”
4PAM also suggested a task force be established to investigate the safety and protection measures in place for public transport users.
Lastly, it suggested the appointment of a new chairman for SPAD.