Medan fares hiked

MEDAN, North Sumatra: The North Sumatra provincial administration has decided to raise public transportation fares following the government's decision to raise fuel prices last month.

The fare for city minivans was raised from Rp 350 (3 U.S. cents) to Rp 475 per person and public buses from Rp 350 to Rp 375 per person.

The flag fall for taxis has been raised from Rp 1,250 to Rp 1,700 with the rate for each kilometer being hiked to Rp 800.

North Sumatra Deputy Governor Pieter Sibarani defended the raise, saying that it was not as high as the increase in fuel prices. Premium gasoline increased from Rp 700 to Rp 1,000 per liter.

As quoted by Antara, Pieter said the bus fare for students would remain at Rp 100 per trip.