KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — RapidKL needs an additional of approximately 500 drivers to mobilise all 1,500 of the company’s stage buses to meet the demand of commuters in the Klang Valley.
According to the statistics issued by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, RapidKL buses were among the important mode of transportation for about 300,000 passengers on 166 routes in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s (Prasarana) Head of Group Communications and Strategic Marketing Department, Lim Jin Aun said, right now, RapidKL only had 1,724 drivers, including 65 women, who drove 900 buses.
“Numerous incentives have been provided by RapidKL but it has yet to overcome the shortage of bus drivers, which probably due to the lack of interest among Malaysians,” he told Bernama recently.
He also said those keen to be drivers preferred to drive express buses as the job was said to be less stressful, as it dealt with less stops, less traffic congestion, shorter working hours and less complaints from passengers.
Nevertheless, Lim said stage bus drivers also have flexible hours and only have to work five days a week.
“They can earn up to RM2,000 a month and their immediate family members can also ride in Prasarana’s public transport for free,” he added. — Bernama
