Train fare-dodgers fined Rp 50,000

JAKARTA: Since the imposition of a Rp 50,000 (US$6) fine for train fare-dodgers started early this month, no fewer than 50 people have been caught every day.

"Most are commuters of the city train (KRL) between Bogor and Kota," Zainal Abidin, spokesperson of state train operator PT KAI, told Tempo News Room on Friday.

An economy train ticket is Rp 1,500, while the business class is Rp 3,000. Tickets for executive trains range between Rp 4,000 and Rp 6,000.

Zainal argued that the 200 PT KAI personnel could not monitor the 500 commuters that used the trains every day. "And it is out of hand at peak hours," he added.

He also said that the entrances to the 90 train stations could be accessed by anyone, which made it even more difficult for KAI personnel to check tickets.

"I hope all commuters understand that they have to buy a ticket to get aboard, because, in the future, when we implement an automated system, the train will no longer need a train conductor," he said. -- JP