Palu raises taxi fares

Palu raises taxi fares

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Responding to demands by local taxi operators, the Palu city administration announced on Thursday it had raised taxi fares by 25 percent.

The flag fall was raised from Rp 3,000 to Rp 4,000, and the charge per kilometer went up from Rp 1,500 to Rp 2,250. The waiting fee was also increased to Rp 20,000 per hour from Rp 15,000.

The new taxi fares took effect on Wednesday, said the head of the Palu transportation office, Jamaluddin Parerengi.

Taxi drivers applauded the new fares, which are aimed at offsetting the impact of higher fuel prices that went into effect on Oct. 1.

"The fare increases were balanced," said taxi driver Rachman. A number of city administrations across the country have taken similar measures since fuel prices were raised.. -- Antara