CVLB should stay out of transport commission

TS,Friday May 14, 2010

It was reported in The Star on May 10 that public transport operators prefer politicians to stay out of
the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and instead, they want industry players and
transportation NGO representatives to be in the panel.

While it is necessary for a new commission to coordinate and control all land public transport matters,
 it should not be just an enlarged Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB).

Ever since the CVLB was set up in the early 70s the results for public road transport have been dismal
because the board has always been helmed by politicians who give in to the demands of various
groups, including rent seekers with many genuine players in the industry taking a back seat.

If those who are currently involved in CVLB continue with the Land Public Transport Commission,
it would be the case of old wine in a new bottle.

Of course, there will be groups that would support the same people in CVLB to take charge
of SPAD as maintaining the status quo would serve their interests well.

In order to transform land public transport, SPAD will need competent technocrats with expertise to
study, plan and implement strategies that put national interests above all else.

We can no longer afford to continue with policies that benefit only a relative few as our
competitiveness has been greatly affected by an inefficient land public transport system.

YS Chan

Kuala Lumpur