The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) Friday approved a special rate of 10 per cent higher than the normal rate for express buses beginning July 10 until July 27.

SPAD said in a statement that the move was to ensure that the express bus services were not delayed besides fulfilling higher demand during the festive season that was approaching.

"In addition, this approval takes into account various factors such as improving the level of handling the additional services, improving thesupervisionsystem for the express buses and maintaining the service quality of the express buses to ensure passenger comfort and safety during the festive season," the statement said.

SPAD also announced that all the additional express buses for the festiveseason leavingand arriving at Kuala Lumpur would use the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS).

The commission also advised consumers to purchase tickets at valid ticket counters to avoid being cheated, besides keeping ticket stubs as proof.

"Valid tickets are computer printed, and will display the name of the company as well as the number plate of the bus which will be boarded by passengers. Consumers are requested to check the information printed on the ticket and verify it at the ticket purchasing counter.

"For passengers boarding the additional buses, they can check the license plate number of the bus as registered with the SPAD, through an attachment displayed at the ticketing counters," the statement said.

The statement added that it would continue to improve its monitoring and enforcement operations during the festive season to ensure there were sufficient number of buses to cater to the demand, and that passengers could enjoy a safe and comfortable journey.

Express bus service users may also make complaints to SPAD at 1-800-88SPAD (7723) if there were any issues with the service, safety and comfort during their journey this festive season.