KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia has warned parents of possible fare hike when schools reopen in March.
Its president Amali Munif Rahmat said parents, especially those in the Klang Valley, should anticipate a monthly rise between RM10 and RM20.
He attributed the decision to the implementation of the minimum wage of RM1,500 in July last year and a surge in prices for imported spare parts, compounded by the weakened ringgit.
"For this fare increase, there have been requests from operators, but the association can only offer them guidelines and advice. It all depends on their profit and loss situation.
"It also depends on the consensus between school bus operators and parents," he said.
The association on Dec 1 last year had said operators have the autonomy to set their own rates for services.
This follows the government's decision in 2015 to cease regulating school bus fares.
The rates are also influenced by the operator's business considerations, such as profit and loss.
Despite the fare increase, it remains relatively low, especially when considering the average of 44 bus rides per month for a student, he said.
"Parents shouldn't think that the increase is a random amount, but calculated based on (students') daily use.
"For example, if we raise the fares by RM20, it's only an increase of 90 sen per day, and that is still affordable."
Addressing concerns raised by some bus drivers regarding parents refusing to pay the full month's fares during school holidays, Amali said bus drivers are compensated based on school sessions.
This compensation covers operational costs and mandatory maintenance throughout the entire year.
"Our income is not based on the daily or weekly journeys, but we are paid based on the school sessions.
"The drivers also had to cover the costs of operations the whole year and mandatory maintenance every three months."