Bogor back to normal after strike

Bogor back to normal after strike

BOGOR (JP): Bogor was back to normal yesterday after a four-
day strike of all 13 routes that began June 17, while drivers
were waiting for authorities' to curb the addition of new
vehicles as was promised.

Drivers, who said it was difficult to take home Rp 5,000 a
day, were paying the usual levies again.

Besides complaining about too many vehicles, drivers had
protested having to pay a Rp 100 fee for each return trip they
made.

They had suggested officials charge them only from 7 a.m. to 2
p.m., but mayoralty assistant M. Hatta Ediyana said there was
nothing that could be done because the fee was based on a 1994
regulation.

"The fee is used to improve public services," Hatta said last
Thursday.

Drivers can choose to park in one place, called 'illegal
terminals', or take passengers without parking. By parking under
'No Stop' signs, which makes traffic congestion worse, they are
assured of having full vehicles, but must pay levies of up to Rp
5,400.

For a route between Sukasari and Merdeka, a driver, Nasim (not
his real name), said the Rp 5,400 involves the following: Rp 800
for "route money", Rp 2,200 for police, and Rp 300 for the person
who helps him cajole passengers to his vehicle, for each stop at
the Muria intersection.

Nasim said this does not mean all is well.

Sometimes other police officers get angry because they are not
paid. "They ask more from us and get angry if we don't pay, and
then drive us away from parking places," Nasim said.

Police who ticket drivers will let them go if they pay "more
than Rp 2,000", he said.

At the Sukasari market area, drivers pay Rp 500 for parking,
Rp 300 for security, Rp 400 for helpers cajoling passengers and
Rp 200 for route money.

A driver, Sodik (not his real name), said he heard parking
fees go to the local military command and security fees were for
local hoodlums.

Behind Sukasari Plaza drivers said security fees of Rp 700 a
day are paid to three local mobile police officers.

"The fees are supposed to make sure officers take care of our
vehicles if there are any disturbances. But often they don't do
anything," another driver said. (24/anr)