Tolerance is vital when taking the train

Economic and speed considerations are two of the main factors motivating most commuters in Greater Jakarta to continue riding trains, despite uncomfortable and unsafe conditions. To some, there is a small silver lining as many of them feel a bond of togetherness among fellow commuters. Some commuters shared their experiences with The Jakarta Post.

Anpin, 48, a security officer for an apartment in Slipi, West Jakarta. He used to be an army officer. He resides in Bekasi, West Java, with his two children and wife:

I feel comfortable riding trains only when I manage to get a seat inside. But, in fact, I almost never get a seat and it's really uncomfortable for me.

I think security on the train so far is controllable as there are no serious crimes. I guess the criminals are afraid of commit crimes against the passengers here due to the solidarity among us.

I'm happy to ride on commuter trains plying Bekasi to Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. I feel that most commuters get to know each other due to the routine journey.

I prefer trains to other means of public transportation because trains are a lot faster and more economical. I also observe lots of social interactions aboard.

However, I suggest the state-owned railway company provide more trains plying the Jakarta-Bekasi route so as to accommodate more commuters.

Diah, an employee of a private company on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, who resides in Bekasi with her husband and one child. She has been using commuter trains for years:

I feel, as a woman, that the overcrowding of passengers on commuter trains has always made that short journey uncomfortable.

I just regret the fact that there are only two economy class trains and one executive class each day serving Jakarta-Bekasi. The departures are not flexible at all to the public.

Therefore sometimes I take a public bus to take me to the city. However I realize now that riding commuter trains to Bekasi is much safer than any other means of transportation. The solidarity among the commuters creates a solid, yet informal bond. I find it easy to interact with my fellow commuters on trains.

Besides, it's really economical and never affected by traffic jams. It saves my time.

Edi Santoso, 40, a construction worker in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. He lives in Bogor, West Java, with his eight children and wife. He has been using commuter trains since 1998:

The overcrowding conditions have never stopped me from traveling by train. I've become so accustomed to it now that it never bothers me.

I just feel annoyed because many times the trains come late. The arrival and departures are too often not in line with schedules. On the other hand, the commuter trains plying Bogor- Tanah Abang route have two tracks. But why does the unpunctuality still happen?

So far, I've never seen crimes on the trains. What makes me feel insecure is when the local residents throw stones at the train windows. That has happened several times.

Edi, 49, a mechanic on Jl. Teluk Betung, Central Jakarta. He lives in Bogor with his seven children and one wife. He has been using commuter trains for about 15 years:

As a matter of fact, riding on commuter trains is far from being comfortable. It's only the routine that enables me to tolerate the otherwise inconvenient nature of my journey.

I can also say that the trains plying the Bogor-Tanah Abang route are relatively safer than those that go to Kota railway station. Every passenger feels secure due to the sense of togetherness among commuters.

Should there be any criminals, the crooks would feel uneasy upon seeing the bond here. I have occasionally talked to crooks and they told me they would not rob the passengers here because most of them know each other and would probably defend each other.

I always buy monthly tickets as it's cheaper than buying tickets for each trip.

I just hope the state-owned railway company takes stern measures against passengers sitting on the roofs or on the connecting links between train cars so that there are no more deaths.

Fuad, 30, is an employee, whose parents reside in Sudimara, Tangerang. He lives in Palmerah, West Jakarta. He has used a commuter train since the 1990s:

Taking a commuter train is cheap but far from comfortable. I have to be prepared for the overcrowding.

I wonder why the railway company never pays attention to such intractable problems from year to year.

Passengers show no discipline and it seems there are no rules enforced on such trains.

As a commuter I've also learned to identify the crooks who always operate on the trains. They are dangerous, so we have to be careful all the time.

But the most important thing is to look after oneself by remaining alert at all times on the trains.

-- Leo Wahyudi S