Bus operators get discount on vehicle inspection fees

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration bowed to small bus operators' demands for a 75 percent discount on vehicle inspection fees following a rally staged by up to 1,000 bus drivers at City Hall on Thursday.

The approval was given after two hours of negotiations with representatives of the small bus operators grouped in the Wahana Kalpika Cooperative (KWK).

Following the talks, Head of the City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) Buyung Atang told reporters that each small bus will be charged only Rp 10,000 (US$1.1) for the mandatory six- monthly vehicle inspection, down from the widely protested Rp 40,000, which took effect last November.

Buyung said some 300 public vehicles under KWK management which had been ticketed for failing to undergo the compulsory inspection would be allowed to operate. He also promised that no more vehicle inspection campaigns would be conducted until the new ruling was issued.

"The new gubernatorial decree (on the discount) will be released within a week," Buyung said.

He said the discount would also apply to terminal access fees, operational license contributions and business permit contributions.

Contacted separately, Amarullah Asbah, who chairs the City Council's Commission C for financial affairs, said the legislative body approved the discount.

"We supported the drivers' demand, given the expensive operational costs resulting from an increase in vehicle spare parts and fuel prices," said Amarullah.

The council's support was stated in a letter signed by its speaker Edi Waluyo.

The protesting drivers, who work for eight small bus operators, began to gather in front of City Hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan at around 8:45 a.m. on Thursday. Traffic congestion was caused after they parked their vehicles along the thoroughfare.

Amid waving banners and posters, the drivers delivered a public speech.

"It's unfair! We have to spend a total of Rp 190,000 instead of the previous Rp 119,000 for vehicle inspection and terminal access fees, which include illegal levies," one of the drivers, Purba, yelled.

Another 12,000 drivers of small buses halted their operations across the capital, leaving thousands of passengers stranded until noon.

The City Bylaw No. 3/1999 stipulates that large and medium- sized buses receive 25 percent discount on the vehicle inspection fee, resulting in a net fee of Rp 10,000.

Operators of large and medium-sized buses also receive another 25 percent discount on terminal access fees. A large bus is charged Rp 49,500, while a medium-sized bus is charged Rp 24,750 after the discount.

Instead of providing a discount, the bylaw rules that small- sized buses should pay Rp 79,200 for terminal access, Rp 40,000 for vehicle inspections and another Rp 9,000 for parking and medical supplies.

Failure to comply with the ruling carries fines varying between Rp 20,000 and Rp 80,000, up from between Rp 4,850 and Rp 19,500 stipulated in the old bylaw passed in 1992.

There are 5,164 small buses registered under the management of KWK, owned by 3,311 individuals across the capital. On average 20 of them are checked every day. (04/07)