Train fare hike

From Neraca

Traveling executive class by train means comfort. Its reclining seats are like an airplane's which lull passengers to sleep until arrival at their destiny.

However, something is not quite right. I had to pay Rp 80,000 for a ticket recently, when the price is normally Rp 45,000. This meant a hike of Rp 35,000 which I was forced to pay because there was no other choice.

At that price I could buy myself an Arga Lawu train ticket, but prior to Idul Fitri, its price rose above Rp 100,000. I realize that I have to accept things as they come because of my limited finance.

My astonishment rose again when I noticed that business class tickets of the Fajar Utama train were sold at Rp 55,000. It normally costs Rp 23,000.

I feel Lebaran has a far fetched influence. Yielding to the traditional custom to return home for Lebaran, people have to pay dearly for a place on a train. Why has no attention been paid to customer protection? And why were tickets sold in toilets, instead of over the counter?

CATUR BAYANGKARA

Jakarta