More passengers on public buses

More passengers on public buses

JAKARTA (JP): Some drivers of buses going to Soekarno-Hatta
International Airport said they had more passengers on Saturday,
when the Indonesia Air Show '96 was officially opened.

"I usually have less than 25 passengers. But you see today,
some passengers are willing to get jostled on my bus," said
Sumirat, a bus driver the Damri bus company, plying the Blok M to
Soekarno Hatta airport route. His bus has 50 seats.

The school holidays has also contributed to the increase in
the number of passengers. "Most of the passengers are youngsters
who wanted to go to the show," Sumirat said.

A driver of a bus plying the Rawamangun to airport route said
he also enjoyed an increase in passengers on Saturday.

The state-owned bus company Perum Damri provides buses from
the airport to Blok M in South Jakarta, Gambir in Central
Jakarta, Rawamangun in East Jakarta and Kemayoran in Central
Jakarta. The bus fare is Rp 4,000 (US$1.7) for one person per
trip.

Sumirat suggested that those who want to go to the show take
public buses, which he described as cheaper. "By going on buses
people are easing the traffic situation," he said.

On Saturday, the streets in front of the airport were heavily
congested with private vehicles. It took almost an hour for
motorists to leave the airport. The air show will last until June
30. (jun)