Free transportation for poor commuters

JAKARTA: A charity run by Republika daily, Dompet Dhuafa, will offer free bus rides to poor residents traveling between Pulogadung and Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta and Blok M in South Jakarta, beginning on Monday.

Four buses will operate from the morning to the early evening, financed by donations to Dompet Dhuafa, Antara reported on Friday.

Dompet Dhuafa president Rahmad Riyadi said the program was being provided for poor residents affected by higher public transportation fares following the recent fuel price increases. He said the program would allow the residents to save the money they would normally spend on transportation, and instead use it for more urgent needs. --JP