Drivers increase transport fares

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Public transportation drivers here have unilaterally increased fares following the 12 percent hike in fuel prices announced by the government.

One driver, Daeng Rani, said on Wednesday that the increase, amounting between Rp 200 and Rp 500 depending on the distance, was normal because the old fares were too cheap compared to the increase in maintenance costs.

"Other drivers have increased fares and I have no choice but to follow suit, otherwise they will beat me," Rani said.

Chairman of the local Transportation Owners Association (Organda) Rahim Bustan regretted the hike, saying Mayor Malik H. Masri would only announce the new fares on Oct. 17 at the latest.

"I call on passengers not to meet the drivers' demands for higher fares because they are illegal," Rahim said.

Arguments, and sometimes clashes, between public transportation crews and passengers over the fares have frequently occurred over the past few days. (27)