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