'Angkot' drivers in Bogor upset

'Angkot' drivers in Bogor upset

BOGOR (JP): Dozens of angkot (public minivans) that usually
operate from the busy Parung terminal here gathered at the Bogor
Regency council on Thursday to request that authorities meet
their promise to impose controls over street vendors at the
terminal.

According to the disappointed drivers, officials from the Land
Transportation Agency (DDLAJR) and the Market Operator PD Pasar
Jaya have failed to fulfill their commitment to remove vendors
from the terminal compound and nearby streets.

"The presence of such a large number of street traders at the
terminal makes it difficult for us, the drivers, to get into the
terminal so we have to wait for the passengers along the streets
heading to the terminal," M. Yusuf, leader of the group, said.

The two parties, he said, initially promised to put things in
order at the terminal but until Thursday, nothing had changed at
the place, Yusuf said.

"We're really disappointed," he told the councillors.

Councillors Aries Suwirya and Suherman said they were shocked
by the drivers' complaints since they believed the DLLAJR and
Pasar Jaya officials had already cleared the crowded terminal of
traders.

Watched by the angkot drivers, Aries spoke directly to top
officials from DLLAJR and Pasar Jaya for further clarification.

"The two parties promise to put the Parung terminal in order
in two or three days at the most," Aries said.

The drivers told the councillors that DLLAJR staff regularly
collected Rp 200 (two U.S. cents) from the angkot drivers each
time they passed through the terminal but never gave a receipt.

Angkot is the major means of transportation in Bogor. Their
number has reached into the thousands which often results in
heavy traffic congestion at several major streets in the town.
(21/bsr)