Lost Luggage: Bus Operator’s Stance on Liability
Background
Starmart Express Sdn Bhd, an intercity bus service operator, has recently faced a situation where a visually impaired man lost his luggage during a trip. The incident has sparked concerns about the company’s responsibility in ensuring the security of passengers’ luggage.
Starmart Express’s Position
In a statement to FMT, the company’s managing director, T Sivasubramani, emphasized that the operator can only be held responsible for lost luggage if it has been declared by the passenger and checked by the bus driver or the company before boarding the bus. He highlighted that this was not the case in the recent incident.
Key Points
- Tickets are sold on the terms and conditions set by the operator, and agreed upon by passengers to abide by them.
- It is impossible for drivers to know how many pieces of luggage were brought in, let alone their contents.
- The company has specifically stipulated on tickets that it will not be held responsible for ensuring the security of passengers’ luggage.
- Passengers are not allowed to bring their regular luggage inside the bus due to space constraints.
- Sivasubramani suggested that passengers keep any valuables in a smaller bag which they can carry on board the bus with them.
Conclusion
In light of the recent incident, Starmart Express Sdn Bhd reiterates its stance on liability for lost luggage. While the company understands the inconvenience and distress caused to passengers, it believes that it is unfair to hold the operator responsible for something which it was not aware of. Passengers are advised to be mindful of the terms and conditions set by the operator and to take necessary precautions to ensure the security of their luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Starmart Express’s policy on lost luggage?
A: The company’s policy is that it can only be held responsible for lost luggage if it has been declared by the passenger and checked by the bus driver or the company before boarding the bus.
Q: Why can’t the company be held responsible for the security of passengers’ luggage?
A: It is impossible for the drivers to know how many pieces of luggage were brought in, let alone their contents, and the company has specifically stipulated on tickets that it will not be held responsible for ensuring the security of passengers’ luggage.
Q: What should passengers do to ensure the security of their luggage?
A: Passengers are advised to keep any valuables in a smaller bag which they can carry on board the bus with them, as they are not allowed to bring their regular luggage inside the bus due to space constraints.