Councilors not united about higher bus fare

Councilors not united about higher bus fare

JAKARTA (JP): City councilors have voiced different opinions
about the proposal endorsed by the Organization of Owners of City
Land Transportation (Organda) to raise bus fares by up to 20
percent for night transportation.

The chairman of City Council's commission for development,
Mansyur Achmad, said yesterday the proposal was not necessary
because the purpose of the transportation system is to provide
better services to people.

"The increase in night rates will become a burden to them.
Besides the system has been in existence with unauthorized
vehicles. The difference is that it is now run by the authorized
one," Achmad said.

Muhammad Rodja, a member of the commission from the United
Development Party (PPP), understood the proposal saying that it
is rational for Organda to ask for higher night rates.

"I think it is reasonable because they have to provide drivers
with additional benefits for the night shift to establish safe
and secure transportation," Rodja said.

Organda chairman Aip Syarifudin proposed higher fares for
night transportation because public buses operating during the
night hours need special treatment to guarantee satisfaction for
the drivers and passengers, as well as transit service officers.

If the public feels that the fares are too expensive, he said,
the authorities can offer certain types of subsidies to cover the
extra funds. (yns)