105 buses to be laid on for Int'l Air Show
JAKARTA (JP): At least 105 buses will be provided for visitors to the International Air Show at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport from June 23 to June 30.
The fares have been set at Rp 4,000 (US$1.70) for air- conditioned buses and Rp 1,500 for regular buses, based on a Ministry of Transportation decree issued for the show.
President Soeharto is scheduled to open the Air Show on June 22, at which 255 companies from 22 countries are expected to participate.
A special viewing period for visitors is scheduled from June 23 to June 28, for which tickets are Rp 50,000 per person, said Oriyanto Supardal, the head of traffic and transport control at the City Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ).
More bus passengers are expected on the last three days of the show from June 28, when tickets are Rp 20,000 for adult and Rp 10,000 for students and children under 12 years old.
Oriyanto said the buses belong to DAMRI and PPD, both state- owned companies, as well as private firms Mayasari Bakti, Biang Lala and Steady Safe.
"The company managements signed a written statement today expressing their readiness to serve visitors to the Air Show," Oriyanto said.
"The buses will have stickers stating that they are special for transportation to and from the Air Show," Oriyanto said. "The stickers will also bear the logo of the Air Show and the initials IAS."
To prevent buses from waiting too long for passengers, DLLAJ officials will make the buses leave the terminals once the buses are half-full.
Apart from regular bus terminals and bus stops, people can catch the buses at three temporary terminals set up in Senen, Gambir and Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
Parking lot
Motorists with private vehicles can park in the parking lot at the Show compound and take a shuttle bus to the site of the exhibition.
"But we don't know yet if the shuttle service will be free," Oriyanto said.
He urged public transportation owners and taxis to step up their services for the public and foreign guests.
"Please report to us any taxi driver who refuses to use the meter," he said. "Report the time, location and other details of the case, and we will take necessary action."
People may be so enthusiastic to get a good view of the sky aerobics that they may park illegally, he said.
Yesterday, the planes participating in the show began arriving at the airport.
Singapore's Super Sky Hawks, Britain's Red Arrows as well as Indonesia's Tiger IIs and Fighting Falcons were among those which arrived yesterday afternoon.
Regarding the traffic changes scheduled today for toll roads and regular roads, Oriyanto said that DLLAJ has asked state-owned highway corporation PT Jasa Marga to set up special signs to prevent confusion.
"We have tried to provide as many alternative routes as possible," he said. (anr)