In view of the coming festive season, some express bus operators are overcharging customers with exorbitant fares for express bus services. Complaints have been made against certain express bus operators for charging a fare as high as RM220 for a trip between Johor Bahru to Penang when a budget flight only cost as low as RM79.99 excluding tax and surcharge. Even the remaining seats on budget airline for the same route on 15 Feb costs RM239.99. Although it is slightly higher than the express bus fare, it is much worth to fly given the shorter time taken to travel.

The authorities should round up all the overcharging express bus operators. Meanwhile, commuters should purchase bus tickets only from genuine companies that do not overcharge. Whether festive season or not, the fare of express buses are standardized. Express bus companies are only allowed to impose a minimal surcharge on additional trips where they lease school and factory buses to provide the additional services.