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ransportation experts have called on state-owned train operator PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek (KCJ) to apply at least minimum service standards on commuter trains, following repeated service disruptions despite a recent increase in fares.

“Minimum service standards should include — for example — a precise timetable for commuter trains that the operator must maintain or face sanctions,” the head of the Jakarta office of the Transportation Society (MTI), Tri Tjahjono, told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.

A train serving Bogor-Jakarta derailed at Cilebut Station in Bogor a few days after the train operator announced fare increases on Oct. 1. No casualties were reported, but the incident was exacerbated by a lack of safety equipment to quickly evacuate panicking passengers.

On Oct. 10, another Jakarta-Bogor commuter train was struck by electricity due to heavy rain and lightning. The incident interfered with the railway’s signal system and commuters’ journey lasted from rush hour until late evening.

The next day, a non-air-conditioned train traveling from Angke Station to Rangkasbitung broke an axle at Sudimara Station in Tangerang, leaving many stranded until late at night.

KCJ spokesperson Eva Chairunnisa said that Ministerial Decree No. 9/2011 on minimum service standards clearly stipulated the required commuter train services, including train schedules, punctuality and the number of trains to be operated every day.

“We admit that train services are sometimes delayed or canceled, and sometimes we face operational difficulties, but we provide compensation such as free tickets for commuters the next day,” Eva said on Monday. “We are striving to improve our services as best as we can.”

Tri said that the unimproved service was also due to the fact that KCJ was the sole train operator in the city, and it did not sense the urgency to apply minimum service standards. “If a few companies operated commuter trains, the government could discontinue the current operator’s contract, while other companies could bid to operate it.”

Transportation Studies Institute director Darmaningtyas said that Law No. 23/2007 on the railway allowed the private sector to operate commuter trains.

“Unfortunately, up until now, no private companies have shown any interest in operating trains in the city. This means the business must not be profitable, because the operational costs are quite high and constructing the infrastructure is costly,” Darmaningtyas said.

Tri added that high fares called for high public transportation service standards, which meant that KCJ basically required subsidies from the government.

“Most of the time, KCJ waits until the train facilities are extremely poor before deciding to maintain or fix them. This situation wouldn’t happen if it had a bigger budget, because to maintain the facilities, it needs more funds.” (JP/nad)