Mayasari buses strike again

JAKARTA (JP): Some 42 bus crews from the Mayasari bus company went on strike on Tuesday to protest at the company's decision to increase the daily rental fee.

The City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ)'s Rustam Effendy said that the buses, plying the Blok M-Pulogadung route, started their strike at about 6 a.m.

"But the strike ended within two hours while the drivers' demands were still being discussed," Rustam told reporters at City Hall.

The company reportedly increased the daily rental fee from Rp 250,000 (US$22) to Rp 300,000 as the city had decided to increase bus fares from Rp 700 to Rp 900 following the rise in fuel prices.

Rustam said that the company's decision was fair as the administration had increased fares.

Hundreds of Mayasari buses went on strike two weeks ago for a similar reason before Sutiyoso decided to increase bus fares last week.

Mayasari is the largest of the 14 bus companies in the city with about 900 vehicles. (jun)