I refer to the letter No rationale for RapidKL subsidy removal .

I disagree with the writer’s opinion that Rapid KL’s subsidies should not be removed and only be slightly reduced. Instead, it should be completely removed. The subsidies provided to RapidKL have indeed enabled the company to provide dirt-cheap fares. For example, traveling around the areas of the Klang Valley only costs RM2 for a full day.

As a frequent user of RapidKl myself, I have noticed that the services provided by this company have been steadily deteriorating. For instance, what used to be a 20-minute wait for the arrival of a bus has become a 30, then 40-minute wait. I do not dare imagine how much further the quality of their services will fall after the subsidies are removed.

I would also like to point out that RapidKl is essentially a Umno-(government) linked company. I have reason to believe that the government may have acted unreasonably by providing RapidKl with an unfair advantage. This lopsided agreement has devastated the balance sheets of many reliable bus companies such as Metrobus. With this in mind, the government should instead provide subsidies to much more reliable and proven companies.

The creation of RapidKl has also resulted in a huge wastage of taxpayers money. It would have been much more logical for the government to improvise and upgrade on existing facilities. Contrary to what the writer said, I believe that RapidKl will never survive on its own feet. Among the reasons for this are the substantial losses suffered from RapidKl’s LRT businesses; and the fact that the services provided will turn from bad to worse. Many users will opt for other bus companies.

To add salt to the wound, frequent breakdowns of LRT trains have been reported ever since RapidKl took over its management. I believe that Malaysia’s public transportation system will never improve with the existence of such a poorly-managed and inefficient company.

There is also a reason why most bus routes are not profitable. Public confidence towards public transportation is at an all-time low and is only used by most people as a last resort. The government should focus not only on making public transportation affordable, but equally as reliable as well too.

In my opinion, RapidKl is just another one of those failed projects initiated by the government. I would rather pay an extra bit for better services and reliability. Consumers do not have to suffer in exchange for affordability. Furthermore, there are many more capable bus companies out there that can do better then what RapidKL has to offer.