Yogyakarta to raise bus fares

Yogyakarta to raise bus fares

YOGYAKARTA: Bus fares are expected to rise between 20 to 50
percent in the coming weeks.

Head of the Yogyakarta Traffic Bureau, Moenadji, said on
Saturday that the administration was awaiting the provincial
Council to approve the hike.

The administration proposed that bus fares be raised from Rp
500 to Rp 600, while student fares from Rp 150 to Rp 300.

Moenadji claimed that the fares were proposed in consideration
of the ability of the local population to pay given the current
economic hardship.

But the first sounds of criticism came not from the public who
would have to bear the increased fares, but from the Public
Transportation Organization (Organda) who claimed that the rise
was insufficient.

Joko Suwahno, speaking on behalf of the organization, said
"even the new fares cannot cover our operational fees".

He cited the tremendous rise in the price of vehicle spare
parts as one reason for higher fares.

"Only half of the transportation companies here operate and if
the fare is not raised enough many will go bankrupt," Joko said
as quoted by Antara.

Organda is demanding that fares be raised to Rp 900 for adults
and Rp 500 for students. (04)