City bus fares

City bus fares

From Neraca

Because the Jakarta administration has not arrived at a decision on the proposed hike of city bus fares, we at the Indonesian Consumers Foundation want to reemphasize our commitment to solving the problem of city bus fares. Basically the foundation understands the need for an increase of city bus fares, but:

1. The government must study the purchasing power of bus transportation users in the capital.

2. The city bus fares to be determined must be financially advantageous for consumers, bus operators and drivers. It should not be a political tariff that only benefits the government as has been the case so far.

3. The government should provide non-cash subsidies. A budget would not help transportation operators and users but would only enrich the executives in charge of the budget.

4. The non-cash subsidies meant are: subsidies in vehicle credit interest (it is now still 30 percent according to transportation operators) like in other sectors; a reduction of motor vehicle tax with a minimum of 65 percent; temporary abolishment (until the economy recovers) of the cost of route permits; the exemption of toll road fees; and subsidies for spare parts.

5. The governor must see to it that all kinds of illegal takings on the road, at vehicle test centers and bus terminals are stopped.

If the increase in bus fares as proposed by the Jakarta Administration is Rp 200 for school children and between Rp 500 and Rp 700 for the general public, we think that the operators will not be in a position to improve their services and to increase their income.

At present the foundation only requests the honorable city councilors to decide on a suitable tariff. If the regional house of representatives approves the proposed tariff, the community will protest, but if the decision is postponed again, bus operators and crews will cry out.

The foundation is of the opinion that if the Jakarta administration is willing to carry out the five-point recommendation above, there is no need for an increase of bus fares, the service could be improved and the welfare of bus operators and crews can be bettered. Once again, we leave it to the respected council to make a wise decision.

AGUS PAMBAGIO

Deputy Chairman

Indonesian Consumers Foundation