Govt to propose reviewing age limit for bus drivers

The government wants a review on the age limit for express bus drivers to prevent fatal accidents.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the matter would be highlighted in the "Bus Laboratory" conference, to be set up next month.

"At the moment, there are many drivers who have reached retirement age. It might not be easy for them to drive long distance.

"We will gather opinions from all stakeholders in the industry on training young drivers," she said after visiting Sewing World gallery at the Sky Park One City here today.

Nancy said the proposal was being mooted after members of the public claimed that some express bus companies had been hiring elderly drivers.

Yesterday, the minister said in a statement that the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) would set up the laboratory next month to study ways to improve the quality of service, safety, and sustainability of the bus industry.

Nancy said the matter concerning age limit would be discussed in details to enable the government to assist young people in obtaining driving licence for buses.

"We are aware that the driving licence for bus is pretty expensive. So, we hope to consider the group to become bus drivers at young age," she said.

Nancy said among the stakeholders that would be involved in the conference would be the Road Transport Department, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and the Public Works Department.

Among others, the laboratory will also discuss ways to refine the business model; technological approaches; licensing policies and terms; improving the quality of bus terminals and infrastructure; and addressing driver shortage and proposals for improving their welfare.

Nancy also said the conference would discuss bus fares. - BERNAMA