I refer to recent media reports which highlighted complaints by two Penang bus companies against the Penang state government. We have heard for so many years the numerous complaints made by commuters who have had to endure the pathetic service dished out by bus operators in Penang.
These bus operators never bothered to do anything to improve their services despite being given ample time to do so. Now, when they suddenly realise that an alternative operator may land in Penang and take over their service, they are crying foul - blaming the state government for working against them and for not living up to its promises!
These irresponsible bus operators have no one to blame but themselves. They should not have underestimated the power of the Penang public who have in recent years organised themselves to systematically document and inform the state and federal government of all the violations that these bus operators have committed with impunity.
This includes the Cepat public survey and the demonstrations and meetings with the CVLB (Commercial Vehicle Licencing Board). Did these bus operators think they could get away with sub-standard service and Penangites would just sit back and take all their nonsense?
In any case, these bus operators do not have any right to ask anyone else to live up to their promises. They seem to always harp on what has been promised to them by the state government eg, loans to upgrade the buses.
But did they even try and keep the promises they made to the state government and the Penang public when they were given a second chance in April 2006? They promised various changes including issuing bus tickets, having a scheduled bus service and even clean buses! But has this materialised 11 months later?
We still have stinking busses waiting at the Komtar terminal for almost 30 minutes, rude drivers and no tickets. They have been judged by the people of Penang and have been found to be utterly wanting.
As such, I would say to them this: 'Your time is up. You have had your chance. Now, get ready to pack up and leave without whining like spoilt child'.
