'I disagree with bus fare hike'<\/p>\n
The city administration plans to raise bus fares in the near
\nfuture, after the city's Organization of Land Transportation
\nOwners (Organda) proposed a 50 percent hike due to what they
\ncited as the rising prices of fuel and spare parts. The Jakarta
\nPost talked to several city residents who regularly use public
\ntransportation about the issue.<\/p>\n
Alfonsa, 27, is an elementary school teacher in Pondok Gede,
\nBekasi, West Java. She resides in Bekasi with her husband and
\nson:<\/p>\n
I think it will be hard for me if the bus fares increase by up
\nto 50 percent.<\/p>\n
I wonder what the bus fare increase is for. It would be
\npointless if there is no improvement in the service at all.<\/p>\n
Even if the fares are increased that much, the buses will
\nstill be in a poor condition.<\/p>\n
Financially speaking, it will be harder for me if the bus
\nfares are increased because now I have to spend around Rp 12,000
\na day on bus fares.<\/p>\n
The reason given for the increase that it would improve
\nmaintenance is also somewhat illogical noting the fact that so
\nfar they can still run their transportation business.<\/p>\n
Does the bus fare hike proposal mean that the passengers will
\nfeel safe and comfortable aboard? I don't think so.<\/p>\n
I have even had pickpockets sit next to me and threaten me on
\npublic buses. Luckily I decided to get off soon after I realized
\nwhat they were up to.<\/p>\n
So, what is the use of passengers paying higher bus fares if
\nthere is no guarantee of safety and comfort at all?<\/p>\n
I hope there will not be an increase in bus fares during these
\ndifficult times.<\/p>\n
Aipi, 23, is an employee of a private company in Mangga Besar,
\nWest Jakarta. She lives in Pademangan, North Jakarta with her
\nfamily:<\/p>\n
What? The public bus fares will increase by up to fifty
\npercent? That's ridiculous.<\/p>\n
I think it's totally unrealistic to propose such a hike during
\nthe current economic slump. All urban residents are still
\nsuffering from the unavoidable utility and fuel price hikes.<\/p>\n
Worse still, their income has not yet increased. How will they
\ncover their daily transportation expenses?<\/p>\n
I reckon that the bus fares are always raised because the
\ntransportation company owners cannot cover their maintenance
\nbudget.<\/p>\n
But why are almost all city public transportation vehicles in
\na dilapidated condition? So the fare increase does not mean an
\nimprovement in the quality of public transportation.<\/p>\n
Worse still, the bus owners have failed to curb the alarming
\npollution produced by their buses.<\/p>\n
I'm afraid that the proposal will only benefit Organda and the
\ntransportation companies.<\/p>\n
Nining, 26, is an employee of a non-governmental organization
\nin Cikini, Central Jakarta. She lives in Setiabudi, South
\nJakarta:<\/p>\n
I disagree with the plan to raise the bus fares here because
\nthe service and condition of the buses are still way below the
\npublic's expectations.<\/p>\n
The condition of the buses is very poor. The service is no
\nbetter.<\/p>\n
I'm sick of the behavior of the bus conductors. I have to run
\nto catch the bus.<\/p>\n
Once a conductor of a speeding bus had to catch me by my hand
\nand hold me close to get me inside the bus and prevent me falling
\nout of the bus. In normal conditions, I would call that sexual
\nharassment. But, what should I say in such a situation?<\/p>\n
I hate to see how the bus conductors overload their buses to
\nget more income. Almost all the public transportation drivers
\nhere treat the passengers rudely.<\/p>\n
It's not the right time to raise bus fares because the
\npeople's income is stagnant. I'm afraid that if it is
\nimplemented, it will provoke public anger which will worsen the
\nsecurity situation here.<\/p>\n
In addition, Organda's reasons are baseless as they have so
\nfar failed to improve their services by providing better vehicles
\nfor the public. Leo Wahyudi S<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-disagree-with-bus-fare-hike-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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