'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.