New options in bus bind explored<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): City authorities are looking into alternatives
\nto keep bus companies solvent and improve services after the
\ngovernment ruled out a hike in fares this year.<\/p>\n
Deputy Governor of Development and Economic Affairs, Tb.M.
\nRais said Monday the City Land Transportation Agency would study
\nother options.<\/p>\n
\"The city understands the government is taking into account
\nall interests,\" Rais said.<\/p>\n
\"The authority to raise fares lies with the government, the
\nmunicipality cannot decide on this.\"<\/p>\n
Agency chief J.P. Sepang proposed last Wednesday a new Rp 500
\n\"combined\" fare, which averaged the Rp 300 (12 US cents) fare of
\nregular buses with the Rp 700 fare of the non air-conditioned
\nexpress passenger buses (Patas). The latter service would be
\ndiscontinued once the new fare took effect, he added.<\/p>\n
But on Thursday Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto
\nsaid there would be no fare increase before the general assembly
\nin March next year.<\/p>\n
The agency had announced the plan after the municipality
\nacknowledged that the Rp 300 bus services, which bus companies
\nare required to operate, were too low to cover operation costs.<\/p>\n
Aip Syarifuddin, head of the city branch of the Organization
\nof Land Transport Owners (Organda), said on Friday that the
\ngovernment should provide soft loans and lower taxes if bus fares
\ncould not be raised.<\/p>\n
Aip also said prices for vehicles for public use should be set
\nlower than private ones.<\/p>\n
\"We have yet to discuss (the suggestions),\" Rais said.<\/p>\n
In addition to the regular and non air-conditioned Patas bus
\nservices under the government's 1996 fare structure, there is the
\nRp 1,800 air-conditioned Patas.<\/p>\n
Many people have complained of poor bus services, including
\nthrough the Indonesian Consumers Foundation, Rais said.<\/p>\n
He said adding bus services would not solve the problem if the
\ncity lacked a Mass Rapid Transport system. \"Thousands of buses
\nwill not solve traffic problems or improve bus services.\"<\/p>\n
YLKI said earlier that there would be no need to raise bus
\nfares if illegal levies were eliminated at bus terminals and
\nalong routes, and if bus companies improved their management.
\n(ste)<\/p>",
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