City may stop express buses

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is considering the elimination of non-AC Patas (express) buses, according to Deputy Governor TB. M. Rais.

Rais, who is in charge of Economic and Development affairs, said yesterday that the administration will examine whether the elimination of non-AC Patas buses is in line with existing regulations.

Saud Rahman, a councilor from the United Development Party faction, urged the city administration on Tuesday to eliminate non-AC buses by converting them into regular buses.

He suggested that the administration operate only regular and air-conditioned express buses.

The suggestion was proposed following many complaints about the deteriorating services of non-AC buses.

Fares on non-AC Patas buses are Rp 700 (US 30 cents) per person compared to Rp 300 for regular buses. However, their services are practically the same.

According to gubernatorial decree no.572/1996, on city public transportation fares, express buses can only transport 10 more passengers than the available seats during peak hours.

In a related development, the business director of state-owned bus company PPD, Djati Santoso, said yesterday that his company is ready to eliminate its non-AC Patas buses.

PPD currently has 462 non-AC Patas buses, but only 171 of them are operable. Of a total of 185 AC Patas buses, only 27 are operable, while 254 of its 566 regular buses are in good condition. "Only one of our 35 tourist buses is operable," Djati said, adding that the company lacks funds to maintain and repair its fleet.

PPD buses, most of which are old, ply 82 routes in the city, Djati said. (yns)