'I don't want to pay more for transportation'
The decision to raise taxi fares by an average of 36 percent has met a series of different reactions from the public who already have to pay more for basic necessities following the fuel price hike last month. The Jakarta Post asked residents how they were dealing with the higher taxi fares.
Firna Triyana, 24, works as a credit marketing officer at Panin Bank. She lives in the Greenville housing estate, West Jakarta:
I think the main issue about taxis is safety, not the price. In my opinion, certain taxis are not as safe as the ones with bigger well-known names. Therefore, if my safety is guaranteed, and the taxis are clean and comfortable, I won't mind paying more.
I understand that the fuel price hike has forced taxi companies to increase their fares, therefore it is not a big deal for me.
While it could be a burden to suddenly pay more for taxis, I guess I'll have to deal with it for the time being. At the moment, to avoid being hit in the pocket I prefer to drive in my car and get stuck in traffic jams.
Yudhia Sutanto, 23, is a computer programmer. She lives in Karet Pasar Baru Timur, Central Jakarta:
For those on small salaries, the impact is quite big. For example, I used to spend Rp 50,000 to go to the airport and now I have pay over Rp 80,000. I could use the difference of Rp 30,000 to buy three meals.
Many people at the moment are increasing their prices because of the fuel increase. Taxis are OK, but we need to know what the fuel increase is being used for and people need to be warned about the new meter fares. For those who use taxis often and for a long distance, it would make more sense for them use cars with the old fare after a certain number of kilometers.
If taxi drivers' salaries or commissions are increased as well than it would be fair for them and the company.
I think many people will start using buses and busways since we will really notice the difference when we pay. People will start to look for other alternatives and that's the way to go. My salary stays the same, therefore I don't want to pay more for transportation.
--The Jakarta Post