Public buses need to improve
Public buses need to improve
Public buses: Some Bruneians said that they do not use public buses as they do not have enough information of bus schedules and some drivers need to maintain the cleanliness of their buses. Picture: BT/Rudolf Portillo
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
SOME Bruneians do not use public bus services due to their inability to understand bus schedules which are displayed at bus stations in the country.
This lack of knowledge in the public transportation service has resulted in their deterrence from making full use of the service.
A 26-year-old employee from the private sector said that he has never used the public bus as he does not know the schedule.
“I might end up getting lost. I don’t even know which bus is going where, therefore rather than riding around town aimlessly, I might as well take my own car,” he said.
Hjh Aminah Hussin shares the same problem. “I’ve always wanted to ride one because it’s better as one can save on petrol and parking tickets, but I don’t even know how to use one.”
If people are educated on how to use the bus, it is possible that more locals will start using the service in the future, said the 30-year-old.
Information on the bus schedule should be placed at various strategic locations, for instance at every bus stop, she said.
She added that the thought of having to stand around waiting for the right bus to come is daunting to most people.
A mother living in the Berakas area suggested that bus stands should be located closer to residential areas.
Parents would not let their children use the public bus if they are worried for their safety, she said.
“My house, for example, is quite far from the main road so even when I’m busy, I would rather send them (the children) myself,” she added.
Parents will start allowing their children to use public buses if parents are assured of their children’s safety, along with having adequate information on the bus schedule, she said.
“Which is actually good as it will teach them to be more independent and responsible at a young age.”
She further suggested hiring local bus conductors and drivers as a good way to boost not only parents’ confidence in the public transport system, but other locals as well.
It will also create employment opportunities for our people, she added.
However, a local student said that he would happily ride a public bus even if the driver and conductor is a foreigner.
“The driver and conductor were so friendly and I managed to make a number of new friends as well,” he said, recalling his recent experience in riding a public bus.
He said that the appearance of the bus could be improved as it was a bit dirty and had a bad odour.
He added that perhaps a competition could be held to award the most presentable bus so that bus drivers will be motivated to maintain the cleanliness of the buses.
A student from Jamalul Alam Secondary School, Md Yussaimi Mat Yassin said that he does not mind taking the public bus.
“I’m fine with it as long as there are other locals who are using it as well. At the moment, the dominance of foreign passengers has made me rather reluctant to do so,” he said. (DKR1) The Brunei Times
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Tags: Bruneians, Bus Schedule, Bus Schedules, Bus Stations, Bus Stop, Cleanliness, Deterrence, Lack Of Knowledge, Locals, Own Car, Parents, Parking Tickets, Petrol, Private Sector, Public Bus Services, Public Buses, Public Transportation Service, Residential Areas, Rudolf, Seri Begawan