Bus pick up passengers at tollroads

JAKARTA: Public buses are only allowed to pick up passengers at official bus stops. But many violate the rules, as can be seen from several toll roads here, including the Jakarta-Merak and Jakarta-Bekasi toll roads.

The drivers usually drop and pick up their passengers near the toll gates. But recently, they have been doing it in some other parts of the roads as well, even though it is dangerous due to possible accidents.

In fact, the toll road operators have attempted to stop the drivers from doing so by erecting fences at certain points along the Jakarta-Merak highways. People make holes in the fences, however, so that they can get onto the highway.

Several months ago, the incidence of this illegal activity lessened due to a heavy police presence in the area. But in the past few weeks, the drivers, as well as passengers, have started to ignore the police, who also fail to take any action. --JP