More AC 'mikrolet' set to hit the streets
More AC 'mikrolet' set to hit the streets
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
More air-conditioned 'mikrolet' minivans hit the capital's
streets on Tuesday, with the Jakarta Transportation Agency and
the Jakarta chapter of the Organization of Land Transportation
Owners (Organda) giving assurances that the minivans would not
overcharge their passengers.
"We hope people will enjoy these more comfortable minivans
without having to dig deeper into their pockets as the fare
remains unchanged," the agency's deputy head Nurachman said on
the sidelines of the launching ceremony for the 18 new air-
conditioned minivans on Tuesday.
According to Gubernatorial Decree No. 412/2005, dated March 8
and signed by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, the maximum fare for the
longest trip on the new minivans is Rp 1,900.
Two air-conditioned minivans plying the Gandaria-Kampung
Melayu route were launched early last week, but were grounded
shortly afterwards for overcharging passengers.
Organda Jakarta chapter chairman Herry Rotty said the 18 air-
conditioned minivans would serve seven routes across the capital.
Those routes were the M-44 route from Kalimalang to Karet Tengsin,
both in Jakarta, M-42 route from Ragunan to Jl. Kapten Tendean in
South Jakarta, M-54 route from Kampung Melayu to Kapin in East
Jakarta, M-08 route from Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta to Kota
in West Jakarta, M-09A route from Tanah Abang to Kebayoran Lama
in South Jakarta, T-19 route from Pinang Ranti in East Jakarta to
Depok in West Java, and the T-09 route from Kalisari to
Cililitan, both in East Jakarta.
"The air-conditioned minivans also ensure the safety of
passengers thanks to the hydraulic folding door, which can only
be opened or closed by the driver from behind the wheel," Harry
said.
Robberies aboard public minivans have been widespread
recently, with the perpetrators being able to hop easily on and
off the minivans through their open doors.
The new, air-conditioned minivans will only carry 11
passengers, unlike their predecessors, which resembled sardine
cans as much as they did public transportation vehicles.