Councillors attack fare hike plan

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)