Train in vain

Train in vain

From Neraca

Every morning a great number of residents of Depok, a township
of 385,000 people, travel to Jakarta by train. Many of them ride
in economy class on Pakuan express trains of the state-owned
railway company, Perumka.

But what is disheartening me is that the management of the
company shows little concern for passengers' problems in riding
its trains, especially at the town's two stations, Depok Lama and
Depok Baru.

Only a few of the trains which depart before 8 a.m. use eight
cars while the rest units use only four cars during busy hours.

For example, most of the trains which travel to Kota, North
Jakarta, between 7:05 and 8 a.m. use only four cars. As a result,
passengers are crammed together like sardines in the overcrowded
trains during that time. One must possess cat-like quickness to
get on the trains and even gain a place to stand. The women and
children suffer the most.

Besides, management should pay serious attention to the
problem of passenger safety. They should at least use eight cars
per train during rush hours.

I appeal to upper level management to visit the station during
the morning rush hour to get a fist-hand look at the problems.

YUNI SETIAWATI

Depok