Sutiyoso approves new fares for taxis, AC buses

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)