Plan to eliminate minibus hailed

Plan to eliminate minibus hailed

JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Tb.M. Rais has hailed the plan of the Organization of Land Transportation Businessmen to replace every two minibuses with one larger bus.

Rais told reporters yesterday that the effort would reduce the number of buses on major streets which would reduce traffic jams.

The organization announced yesterday that its members have agreed to the plan to improve traffic flow in the city.

Chairman Aip Sjaifuddin said two major minibus companies, PT Metro Mini and Koperasi Angkutan Jakarta, will replace 200 of their minibuses with 100 big buses.

Aip said that the new buses are expected to start operating in April. Other companies are expected to follow suit in the near future.

Rais urged minibus companies to combat the negative image of minibuses through managerial changes. Minibus drivers are widely regarded to be reckless and impolite.

"The companies should use this opportunity to change their image by strengthening their management," Rais said.

He also proposed that they change their system of ownership. In the future bus owners will be shareholders only, with management in separate hands, Rais said.

Currently, minibus companies consist of bus owners who manage their own buses and pay certain fees to the management.

Aip responded positively to Rais' proposal, saying that PT Metro Mini will modify its management.

"PT Metro Mini will change its management system as well as the color of its buses," Aip said, adding that in the future drivers will receive a monthly salary. At present, bus drivers hire the buses they drive for a daily fee.(yns)