Express bus operators have found a way to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic by offering courier services for delivering goods.
With the interstate travel ban having resumed earlier this year, and a blanket ban on travel over the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season, bus operators saw a 60 to 70 per cent drop in revenue, with some experiencing up to a 90 per cent drop in ticket sales.
An Intercity Express Bus operator, who declined to be named, said the company had been offering courier services since last year.
"Normally, we schedule four to five trips nationwide each day. Since the pandemic, we could schedule only two trips each day.
"Sometimes, the buses run on not even half their passenger capacity."
He said the situation picked up when the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) was in place and interstate travel was allowed.
At the time, he said, the company experienced a 60 to 70 per cent drop in ticket sales.
"At most, we could get around 20 passengers, but days before the third MCO, we ferried only eight passengers, or on good days, 10.
"Looking at the situation now, especially with the interstate travel ban reinstated, we have decided to ramp up our courier services," said the operator at the Hentian Duta bus station here.
He said the charges ranged from RM30 to RM210 for an item, depending on the size and weight.
"We have even couriered motorcycles, with or without the owner.
"But the charges vary, depending on the situation.
"If a passenger wants to buy a ticket and take along his bike during the trip, we will charge for the courier service, as well as seat ticket, which will amount to RM180 on average.
"But if it is just to send the motorcycle, we will charge around RM210."
He said during Hari Raya, the firm received lots of bookings to send Hari Raya cookies all over the country.
Checks at the Hentian Duta bus station showed some people waiting for their goods to arrive via buses, and fewer than 10 people waiting for their hometown-bound buses.
A few ticket counters were closed.
A GJG Express and Star Shuttle bus operator, who wanted to be known only as Afiz, said this was the worst situation he had faced in his 21-year career as a bus operator.
"My company suffered around 90 per cent of losses in ticket sales, so we have to provide courier services like others.
"Some of us have to take a paycut and unpaid leave, but I am thankful that no one has lost his job."
Afiz said it was disheartening to see the empty bus station.
"I am still getting used to seeing empty seats, even though the pandemic had been around for more than a year.
"Normally, the station would be crowded, with people fighting over tickets for Hari Raya trips and those booking tickets to balik kampung during long weekends."
He said the bus operators were doing a good deed for those who could not go back to their hometowns for Raya by taking home kuih raya from kampung or baju raya from their loved ones.
"This makes us happy. Everyone is suffering by not being able to balik kampung. I hope this courier service would help them feel better."