Cabinet mulling unlimited passes, discount cards for commuters

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. -Bernamapic

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet will study a proposal by the Transport Ministry to introduce unlimited passes and discount cards for rail and bus travel.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said Cabinet would have to weigh the plan carefully before deciding as the subsidy incurred would be quite hefty.

“We acknowledge the proposal made by the Transport Ministry to implement an integrated 'Rapid Rail' and 'Rapid Bus' unlimited travel pass, as well as discounted KTM Komuter services.

“However, it need to be brought to Cabinet for approval as the subsidy the government might have to pay for this is costly.

."It could be about RM300mil a year,” said Dr Wan Azizah at a press conference on Thursday (Sept 27).

She said the government was looking at successful public transportation subsidy schemes implemented in developed countries such as Britain, France and Japan for guidance.

Dr Wan Azizah revealed this after chairing a meeting with the National Council on Cost of Living.

“In line with the government's aim to reduce the burden of the people, the council will continue to play its role in implementing new policies and initiatives,” she said.

The 25-man council met for the first time this year.

It consists of ministers, the Chief Secretary to the Government, academicians, non-government organisations and consumer groups.-Star