Revamp bus fare system

Revamp bus fare system

From Media Indonesia

The traffic jams of Jakarta are complex. Public transportation, which cannot meet the increasing population, is poorly managed and congestion has become a major obstacle to investment in the transportation sector. Poorly disciplined drivers and illegal levies are prevalent.

Part of the problem is our system of bus fares, which are far too low. We have three categories of city bus fares: Rp 250 for ordinary buses like Metrominis, Kopajas etc., Rp 550 for Patas (limited passenger) buses and Rp 1,300 for Patas-AC (air- conditioned limited passenger) or executive buses.

It is undeniable that the present fares can no longer support operation costs. This is especially true for non-Patas buses. This situation forces the bus companies to operate more Patas- buses rather than ordinary buses. As a result, we are short of ordinary buses to transport the majority of commuters.

Metrominis and Kopajas, however, can't be changed into Patas buses. This is unfortunate for the companies, which are suffering due to the government's rejection of a fare hike.

Bus fares are the same regardless of distance traveled. Routes such as Tanah Abang-Senen, Manggarai-Kampung Melayu, for example, are much shorter than Grogol-Pulogadung or Depok Timur-Pasar Baru. Yet they charge the same fare.

I think the government needs to reconsider the city bus fares. I would like to suggest as follows.

1. A Rp 300 fare should be charged for the first 15 kilometers. An additional Rp 300 for less than 15 km, and another Rp 300 for the remaining distance. A full journey would cost a commuter Rp 900.

2. For Patas buses, the long distance breakdown would be Rp 500, Rp 400 and Rp 300.

3. A reasonable fare for Patas AC buses would be Rp 5000, with a soft drink included.

PUJI SUNARTI

Jakarta