Bus fares up in Yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA: Bus drivers here ended their strike on Wednesday after six hours of negotiations with government officials and the provincial legislature resulted in an agreement on a temporary fare increase.

The drivers, who went on strike on Tuesday afternoon, accepted a 50 percent fare increase for students from Rp 400 to Rp 600, and a 37 percent fare increase for the public from Rp 800 to Rp 1,100.

"The new fares take effect now, pending a permanent ruling from the governor," legislator Budi Dewantoro, who led the negotiations, said. Governor Hamengkubuwono X is out of town until next week.

The strike in Yogyakarta, home to over 100 universities and colleges, left thousands of students and other passengers stranded. Many students skipped classes on Wednesday because of the absence of public transportation.

Hundreds of bus drivers and assistant drivers marched on the provincial legislature building on Jl. Malioboro to demand a 50 percent fare increase while the negotiations were taking place.

They dispersed peacefully after the agreement was reached. -- JP