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.