Looking out for the common folk

Looking out for the common folk

I am one of many Jakartans who live on a low income. I would like to raise an issue that concerns the common people's interests and needs such as public transportation in Jakarta.

I support the busway's new tariff set at Rp 3,500 for a single trip. But the real problem is that the busway has reduced the services of the regular buses, which used to serve shorter distances and hence cost less.

Meanwhile the Jakarta administration has chalked out a new program to the effect that the Pulo Gadung-Harmoni route will be served by the busway transportation system. It should be noted, however, that the users of this new busway facility will be mainly people in the low income bracket, government employees and schoolchildren. It is not to be compared to the busway between Blok M and Kota.

My humble suggestion is that the Jakarta administration pay due attention to the plight of the regular buses which offer a less expensive service to the community.

RUSLAN WARUSMY ISKAK Jakarta