'I feel sorry for 'Bajaj' drivers'

'I feel sorry for 'Bajaj' drivers'

The city administration will issue permits for Kancil as
alternative transportation to replace Indian-made Bajaj
(motorized pedicab), which has been popular in the capital since
1970s. The initial step to retire 14,000 Bajaj will be a part of
the integrated transportation system in the city. Some residents
shared their view with The Jakarta Post.

Dian, 32, is an employee of a non governmental organization in
Salemba, Central Jakarta. She lives in Kayu Jati, East Jakarta,
with her husband and daughter:

I agree with the idea. As a customer, I need a more
comfortable vehicle which maneuver can be as flexible as a Bajaj.
It's much more practical but very noisy and polluted.

Bajaj is no longer roadworthy. It needs to be replaced.

However, I doubt if Kancil will be as flexible and mobile as
Bajaj.

Besides, the administration should have studied the possible
impact of the replacement, including Bajaj drivers' fate.

Otherwise, the new policy will only create more problems.

Dona, 32, is a teacher with a private elementary school in
Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. She lives in Serdang Baru, Central
Jakarta, with her family:

I always ride Bajaj to go teaching. It's quick and flexible in
remote places.

In a way, I hate it because the drivers tend to be careless.
Only God and the driver know where the vehicle will go.

The idea to replace Bajaj sound relieving. I hope I will have
a comfy ride on Kancil. But I wonder if I will have to share
Kancil with other passengers. Besides, will it be as flexible as
Bajaj?

I feel sorry for Bajaj drivers for the new policy. They will
lose jobs. I really don't like our governor who always put
troubles for the low income people.

Sony, 33, is an employee with a private company in Central
Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda, South Jakarta.

I welcome the launching of Kancil. As a regular customer, I
prefer to use more comfortable transportation. But, what about
the fare? Will it be the same as Bajaj?

Bajaj has been alternative transportation as it is very
flexible and mobile.

I can't imagine the fate of thousands of Bajaj drivers once
the vehicles are taken off the streets.

It will certainly trigger new social problems.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.