New Express Bus Rules Will Not Raise Fares, APAD Says

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Malaysia’s new express bus service regulations, which took effect on June 15, are not linked to any increase in ticket fares. The Land Public Transport Agency, known as APAD, said the new rules are aimed at improving service classification and strengthening enforcement against operators.

APAD clarified that express bus fares remain based on the rate structure that has been in place since 2013. The agency said the issue arose after some executive-category operators were found selling tickets below the required minimum fare, creating confusion among passengers about the type of service they should receive.

According to APAD, industry players had also raised concerns that such practices could create unsustainable competition and imbalance between demand and supply. The agency warned that this situation could eventually affect consumers, especially during festive seasons when demand for express bus services usually increases.

The two new regulations being enforced are the Land Public Transport Regulations on Express Bus Service Category Determination Amendment 2026 and the Land Public Transport Regulations on Express Bus Service Fares 2026. These regulations are improvements to the existing framework introduced in 2021.

Under the amended system, express buses will now be classified based on seat column configuration instead of the number of seats. Economy-category express buses are defined as buses with a two-by-two seat arrangement, while executive-category express buses must have at least one single-seat column in a two-by-one layout.

APAD said the clearer classification will help passengers identify the service category more easily. It will also make it easier for authorities to take action against operators who fail to comply with licensing conditions and fare structures, including those selling tickets below the minimum rate.

Based on the 2026 express bus fare regulations, the maximum fare for economy-category express buses remains at RM0.093 per kilometre. For executive-category express buses, the minimum fare is set at RM0.15 per kilometre, with the maximum fare not exceeding RM300.

APAD also stressed that the government has not raised express bus fares since 2013, despite rising operating, maintenance and fuel costs faced by the public transport industry. The agency said it remains committed to balancing the interests of passengers, operators and the long-term sustainability of the national public transport system.