Sutiyoso approves new fares for taxis, AC buses

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso gave his approval yesterday to a proposal on new fares for taxis, air-conditioned buses (Patas AC), Mikrolet and KWK minivans.

Sutiyoso said the increase, recommended by the city branch of the Association of Public Transportation Owners (Organda), was unavoidable because it was in line with the increase in fares for regular city buses and minibuses announced by the government Monday.

"I accepted the proposal and signed it because it was something that could not be evaded." He declined to comment further.

The new fares for taxis are Rp 2,500 for the flag fall, Rp 1,000 per one kilometer and Rp 10,000 for waiting cost. They are respectively at least 50 percent higher than the former fares of Rp 1,500, Rp 550 and Rp 6,000.

The Patas AC individual passenger fare has increased from Rp 1,800 to Rp 2,500.

Increases in Mikrolet and KWK fares are set about 50 percent higher from those previously, which varied according to the length of routes. Old fares mostly ranged from Rp 200 to Rp 600 per passenger.

Fares for other public transportation means for Jakartans, including regular city buses, Kopaja and Metromini minibuses and electric commuter trains, are controlled by the central government.

Minister of Communications Giri Suseno Hadihardjono announced on Monday the increase in fares of those transportation means. Regular city bus fares were increased to Rp 500 from Rp 300, minibus fares to Rp 600 from Rp 400, and trains to Rp 27,50 per kilometer per passenger from Rp 15,09 per kilometer previously.

The government kept the student bus fare at Rp 100.

Organda's secretary Asrul Aziz Taba told reporters yesterday that the taxi fares would likely go into effect this weekend.

"But the new fares for Patas AC, Mikrolet and KWK will be effective tomorrow," he said.

Asrul said taxi operators needed time to adjust the vehicle meters.

He said only fares for three-wheeled motorized vehicles (bajaj) were not officially set by the city administration.

"Bajaj fares are usually based on (bartering) agreements between the drivers and their passengers."

Asrul said the fare increases would not help the public transportation operators meet maintenance and overhead costs.

"The new fares are still far below the ideal ones. Buses, minibuses and minivans' passengers must pay at least Rp 1,000 for a ride.

"And the students should pay at least Rp 200 for a ride."

He said his office had sent a letter to the Ministry for Communications requesting a raise in the student bus fare. (cst)