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)