IN mid-April, I booked a seat on a luxury express bus to Singapore, paying RM60 for the ticket.

The counter clerk did not give me a seat number and informed me it was free seating.

The ticket was for the 2.45pm bus departing from platform 19 on May 4.

I arrived at platform 19 early to wait for the bus. At 2.30pm, three buses arrived.

The conductor directed the passengers to board the buses and announced that it was free seating.

There was no orderly line. Everyone rushed in, trying to get a good seat. I got a seat at the back row.

The bus was dirty, with rubbish everywhere and, to make matters worse, the air-conditioner was not functioning.

The platform was polluted with smoke and many drug addicts were seen loitering in the vicinity.

I was shocked to note the absence of police or security personnel.

To put it in a nutshell, it was a nightmare for passengers and an eyesore for tourists.

JAMES GONZALES, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – May 23, 2008