Assessing the Safety of Express Bus in Malaysia from Bus Operators’ Perspective

Abstract

Express buses provide cheap and convenient services for long distance travelling. However, the safety aspect of express buses is a primary concern for passengers. The government and the private sector have contributed in improving the safety level of express buses. However, the accident and death rates involving express buses remains at a high level. There is a lack of detailed analysis regarding express bus accidents from the perspective of bus operators. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the causes of express bus accidents, characterize the statistical factors of express bus accidents and evaluate the safety of express buses in Malaysia from the perspectives of bus operators. The methodology consists of a survey conducted among staffs serving express bus operators located at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The results showed that from bus operators’ perspective, road factors are the main contributors to the factors of occurrence of express bus accidents. In conclusion, the statistical characterization of accident causes has been determined and this can contribute in helping the bus operators and the community reduce express bus accidents and increase overall safety.