PT KAI's idea for new division hailed<\/p>\n
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Transportation experts have applauded state-owned train company
\nPT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI)'s mulling of a plan to separate its
\nGreater Jakarta division in an effort to improve services.<\/p>\n
Transportation expert Alan Marino of the University of
\nIndonesia said the plan was feasible as the division should be
\nprofitable, unlike the current situation.<\/p>\n
\"The plan is feasible as there are more than 100,000 people
\nusing the trains daily. Even PT KAI can reap huge profits as long
\nas it manages its trains in a transparent way,\" he told The
\nJakarta Post on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"All we need now is to encourage all the passengers, who
\nmostly have become free-riders, to buy tickets. We must increase
\npassengers' discipline.\"<\/p>\n
Alan also said that using the train was quicker than using
\nbuses or driving private cars.<\/p>\n
\"You can take the train from Bogor to Jakarta faster than any
\nother form of land transportation. It is even faster when you
\ntake the express train, although it may be slightly more
\nexpensive.\"<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Land Transportation
\nDirectorate General at the Ministry of Transportation, Barata,
\ntold the Post that the plan to establish a special division was
\nstill being studied.<\/p>\n
\"We are still studying several options to manage the commuter
\ntrain. It can be a joint operational scheme or establishing a new
\njoint venture company,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"All of the train infrastructure belongs to the government as
\nregulated by the law. But the private sector can manage commuter
\ntrains.\"<\/p>\n
Barata also said the plan had to be finalized by the minister
\nof transportation and the state minister of the empowerment of
\nstate enterprises.<\/p>\n
\"But until then, we are open to any suggestion. We also still
\nhave to educate the public about the plan,\" he said.<\/p>\n
So far, the Greater Jabotabek division has failed to provide
\ncomfortable and safe services. Its trains are always crowded,
\nforcing some passengers to sit on the roof.<\/p>\n
The latest data shows that PT KAI suffered losses of Rp 69.5
\nbillion in 2000 and Rp 52.7 billion in 2001.<\/p>\n
The losses have been blamed on increasing electricity and fuel
\nprices, economy class discount rates, ticket scalpers and an
\nincreasing number of 'free riders'.<\/p>\n
Vandalism has also posed as a problem as many residents living
\nalong railway tracks have made stoning passing trains a habit.
\nSome brazen passengers also damage or even steal parts of the
\ntrain, such as benches, fans and lamps.<\/p>\n
When asked if there were any investors willing to take over
\nsuch a poorly-run business, Barata said that the requirements for
\nprospective investors might be toned down.<\/p>\n
\"We may not seek companies who can pay the most but those who
\ncan rely on the least amount of subsidy while providing the best
\nservice.<\/p>\n
\"But of course it would be better if there is a company who
\ncan bring more revenue with their management,\" he said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pt-kais-idea-for-new-division-hailed-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}