Can Brunei’s New Plan Fix Public Transport?

In our latest follow-up to the public outcry over Brunei's troubled transport system, we delve deeper into the story of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. From the initial success of the Purple Bus service to the government’s ambitious yet incomplete 2013 White Paper, Brunei’s public transport remains in limbo. As the Ministry of Transport unveils a new plan, will this be the solution Bruneians have been waiting for or just another entry on the “Wish List”? Catch the full story now. MHO?

By Malai Hassan Othman

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, OCTOBER 2024: The cracks in Brunei’s public transport system are no longer just a frustration—they've become a symbol of stagnation.

Buses that barely run on time, routes that fail to cover key areas, and services that leave passengers stranded have led to recent public outcry, exposing deep flaws in the system, with citizens voicing their exasperation loud and clear.

But behind the scenes, something is stirring. The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) has taken action, issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to overhaul the system.

The question is: Will these efforts lead to meaningful change, or is Brunei’s public transport doomed to remain a white elephant?

This isn’t Brunei's first attempt to modernise its transport system. Over 30 years ago, the country introduced the Purple Bus service, which marked a significant shift in public transportation.

At the time, the Purple Bus was a franchise model that initially succeeded in transforming Brunei’s archaic public bus system. It provided a streamlined and recognisable fleet of buses that were well-received by the public.

Despite its limited route coverage and some operational issues, the system improved over the previous chaotic structure.

However, instead of building upon this early success, the government discontinued the Purple Bus system.

The once-uniform purple buses were replaced by a fragmented fleet, with each route sporting its colour scheme.

This change failed to address the core issues of unreliability and inefficiency. What began as a promising revamp of Brunei’s public transport system ended up in regression.

Today, Brunei's public transportation network is plagued by erratic schedules, ageing buses, and a lack of clear information for users. “We had something that worked,” one frustrated commuter noted, “and they let it slip away.”

What’s Expected from Brunei’s Public Transport?

A functioning public transport system is more than just a logistical convenience—it’s a lifeline for those who depend on it.

Across Brunei, public expectations are clear: efficiency, accessibility, affordability, and reliability.

Commuters expect buses to run on time, with frequent services that make commuting easy. They want adequate coverage, especially in rural areas where options are limited.

However, these expectations have remained unmet for years. "What public transport? One frustrated commuter asked.

Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting the system’s inability to fulfil its most basic purpose: getting people from point A to point B in a timely and affordable manner.

As experts weigh in, they agree that the system doesn’t need to be entirely scrapped—it needs to be rebuilt, piece by piece.

The public wants a transport system that works. The government wants a system that meets the goals of Wawasan 2035—sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Yet, the gap between these expectations and the current reality is glaring.

The White Paper: A Wish List Without a To-Do List

The Land Transport White Paper of 2013 was intended to be the blueprint for transforming Brunei’s public transport system.

It outlined ambitious plans, including the development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, expanded bus routes, and a shift toward more sustainable and accessible transport.

However, over a decade later, it has become clear that the White Paper was more of a Wish List than a roadmap for reform.

While it presented lofty goals, it lacked the concrete to-do list needed to make those goals a reality.

There were no actionable steps with deadlines, accountability measures, or dedicated funding to ensure its implementation.

As a result, many of its promises, such as the BRT system, never materialised, and the public bus network remains fragmented and inefficient.

"The White Paper was supposed to change everything," one expert remarked, "but it ended up being just a Wish List.”

Instead of providing a clear path to success, it became a document full of ideas but lacking the necessary structure to bring those ideas to fruition. This failure to move beyond a Wish List has left Brunei's public transport system stuck in the past.

With the MTIC’s new RFP, there is hope that the government has learned from its mistakes.

However, for any real progress to occur, there needs to be a focus on clear, actionable steps that are measurable and enforceable—something the White Paper failed to deliver.

Who’s Responsible? The Players and Their Expectations

Brunei’s public transport system involves multiple stakeholders, each with its own expectations and responsibilities.

The government, through the MTIC, oversees and regulates the system. Their recent RFP indicates that they recognise the system’s failures and are inviting both local and international players to help rebuild it. But will this be enough?

Currently, there are six bus operators in Brunei managing over 100 buses, but the fragmented nature of the system has led to inefficiencies.

Bus stations fall under the jurisdiction of the Brunei-Muara Municipal Board, while bus stops are managed by District Offices.

This division of responsibility means that critical elements of the transport system are often overlooked or poorly maintained.

"Without coordination, we're just spinning our wheels," remarked one expert.

The fragmentation across different jurisdictions has left commuters frustrated, as inadequate stops and poorly maintained terminals create further obstacles for public transport users.

Additionally, there are the bus operators, like Ali Chandran, who control much of the sector.

Allegations of monopolistic practices have stifled competition, leaving smaller operators sidelined and passengers with limited, outdated services.

"Without competition, there’s no incentive to innovate," one expert noted.

The bus operators expect profitability, but the system’s flaws hinder both improved service and financial success.

Commuters, the most affected by the system’s dysfunction, demand reliability and affordability. They want buses that run frequently, arrive on time, and cover all areas of the country, not just the capital.

The public also expects technological upgrades, such as real-time tracking apps, to help them manage their journeys better.

Yet, these basic expectations have largely gone unmet. Finally, there are the investors, both domestic and international, eyeing the opportunity to step in and fix the broken system. Their expectation is simple: profitability. But with the system in such disarray, will they find it worthwhile to invest?

How Did We Get Here?

Brunei’s public transport system is caught in a vicious cycle. A lack of investment has led to outdated vehicles, unreliable routes, and inadequate infrastructure. The 4Ms — Men, Machines, Methods, and Money — have all fallen short.

• Men: The workforce is undertrained, lacking the skills and support needed to provide the reliable service that commuters expect.
• Machines: The buses themselves are ageing, inefficient, and prone to breakdowns. Some lack air conditioning, while others are simply unfit for long routes. Experts have called for modern, eco-friendly options, such as electric buses, but so far, there has been little action.
• Methods: There is no system in place to ensure that buses arrive on time. Routes are inconsistent, and schedules are poorly managed. Real-time tracking technology has been suggested, but as of now, it is nowhere to be found.
• Money: The lack of financial investment from the government and private sectors has prevented much-needed reforms from occurring. While the RFP hints at possible foreign direct investment, it remains to be seen whether this will materialise into real change.

The outcomes—or lack thereof—speak for themselves. The 4Ps — Passengers, Punctuality, Profitability, and Purpose —have all fallen short.

Commuters have abandoned the system in droves, and ridership numbers are plummeting. Buses are rarely on time. As for profitability? It remains a distant dream for the bus operators trying to make sense of a broken system.

A Whole-of-the-Nation Approach: Coordinating Efforts for Success

What is needed now is a whole-of-the-nation approach — one that brings together all stakeholders under a unified strategy.

The fragmented nature of responsibility, with bus stations under one authority and bus stops under another, only adds to the inefficiencies.

Without the coordinated efforts of ministries, district offices, municipal boards, bus operators, and the public, any plan to reform the transport system will likely fail.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action

Brunei’s public transport system is at a crossroads. The public has had enough of unreliable buses, poor service, and broken infrastructure.

While the government’s RFP signals a step in the right direction, real change will require more than just promises—it demands action.

Experts have laid out a clear path forward: modernise the fleet, train the workforce, invest in real-time technology, and ensure that the system is sustainable, safe, and accessible for all.

The clock is ticking on Brunei’s Wawasan 2035 vision, and without swift action, the country risks falling short of its goals.

The public is watching. The stakeholders are waiting. Brunei’s future depends on the decisions made today. (MHO/10/2024)