Toll road price hike may start tomorrow

JAKARTA (JP): Toll road price increases will be effective from tomorrow when President Soeharto officiates at the opening of part of the inner toll ring road.

Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar said yesterday that if the President officiates the Tanjung Priok-Jembatan Tiga-Pluit to Tomang toll road tomorrow, the presidential decision on the toll increase will be effective.

"Insya Allah (God Willing)," he said in response to whether the increase is definitely effective on Wednesday.

Speaking after officiating at the start of construction of the Kebon Jeruk-Penjaringan toll road, Radinal declined to state the percentage of the increase.

He only said public opinion has been taken into account, including requests from the House of Representatives that the rates for commuters and public vehicles remain the same.

A private-owned company, PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada, has proposed a hike by Rp 500 (21 U.S. cents).

Achmadi, a House member from Commission V, which oversees transportation matters, said legislators have submitted the considerations of both the public and the investors to the government.

Achmadi was responding to whether legislators have discussed all factors which could justify the increase. These include costs involved in land appropriation, construction costs and profits from other toll road operations. (anr)