Councillors attack fare hike plan

BOGOR (JP): Bogor city councillors condemned on Tuesday the planned fare hike by angkot (public minivan) owners on Sept. 1 without the consent of Bogor City Council.

"The operators are selfish, thinking only of their interests without any consideration of the public," councillor Suherman of Commission C on economic affairs said as quoted by Antara.

"Public transportation is a very sensitive issue because it serves the residents," he added.

He called on Bogor residents to refuse the hike unless there is an official decree made by the city administration.

"Are the operators willing to accept the consequences if they insist on hiking the fare?" asked Suherman of the United Development Party (PPP) faction.

Chairman of the Bogor chapter of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda) Khotib admitted to the hike plan.

"We'll apply the new Rp 700 fare, up from Rp 500, on Sept. 1," he told The Jakarta Post.

"I have to hike the fare because the transportation owners and drivers demand it. Fares in Bogor regency have recently already been hiked," he added.

Another Commission C councillor, Taufik of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction aired a similar opinion about the planned hike.

"The operators should first consult with the City Council before making any decisions," he said. (21/nvn)