No gas fuel for public buses, 'bajaj'

JAKARTA: The Jakarta Transportation Agency head Rustam Effendy Sidabutar said on Monday that due to the high cost of natural gas fuel pumps -- Rp 14 billion (US$1.59 million) each, with a capacity of 10 buses -- the city might not continue its gas- fueled public transportation project.

He added that higher-capacity fuel pumps, which could accommodate 100 buses, were priced at Rp 35 billion each. He also said it would be difficult for state gas company PGN to find investors.

The city had planned to replace the existing bajaj with new models that use natural gas as fuel, and also provide gas-fueled buses. However, the demand for natural gas fuel in the city is still very low. Of 13 natural gas fuel pumps installed in Jakarta, only three are working. -- JP