Intercity bus drivers to take drug, alcohol tests

Intercity bus drivers to take drug, alcohol tests

Amar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Police were to test intercity bus drivers for drug and alcohol
abuse to ensure the safety of passengers traveling ahead of Idul
Fitri celebrations, Jakarta police said on Wednesday.

"The intercity bus drivers are obliged to have urine
examinations to determine whether or not they have been taking
alcohol or drugs," police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam
said.

Anton said police would prohibit those who tested positive
from driving, as drivers affected by drugs or alcohol could risk
the lives of passengers in traffic smashes.

He said police, in cooperation with the City Health Agency who
would provide ambulance vans, would begin testing at intercity
bus terminals a week before the Idul Fitri festivities.

Police would also require that every intercity bus have at
least two drivers to increase safety, Anton said.

To help provide better services to the passengers heading to
their hometowns to mark the festivities, a tradition better known
as mudik, the police had increased security at bus terminals and
railway stations.

"We have deployed (on Monday) two battalions of police
personnel respectively at the Gambir railway station and the Pulo
Gadung bus terminal, with tasks mainly to crack down on ticket
scalpers and pickpockets," Anton said.

On Monday, the police inspected the Gambir railway station and
found indications that many ticket scalpers operated there, while
many hoodlums were operating at the Pulo Gadung bus terminal,
Anton said.

Police had yet to arrest any criminals, Anton added.

Travelers have long complained about the ticket scalpers who
run their businesses openly, but as yet no stern action has been
taken. It is believed that their operations are supported by
officials.