Residents of Bekasi in West Java are making growing use of the well-equipped Transjabodetabek commuter buses.

“Now before we depart, we are always full,” bus driver Minarno, who plies the Bekasi Barat - Jakarta route, said in a statement made to tempo.co on Wednesday.

When operations first began, on Sept. 7 last year, it was difficult to find passengers. Minarno suspected that not many people were aware of the bus service, and those that were considered the Rp 20,000 (US$1.4) fare too high.

He also said that passengers were beginning to increase in number since the enforcement of the odd-even license plate policy on the Bekasi-Jakarta route at the beginning of July. Additionally, the bus fare had been reduced to Rp 10,000.

As a result, every road from Bekasi had full buses, even at rush hour there were still passengers who would willingly stand during the ride.

Seats can be fully reclined, so that passengers may sleep. Air-conditioning constantly keeps the cabin cool. Every seat has a seatbelt for safety.

Other facilities include free wifi and sockets to provide power for gadgets.

“It’s comfortable, there are no buskers and it’s not hot,” said passenger Abdurahman. He said the price was worth the convenience.

Minarno explained that Transjabodetabek’s goal was to have no passengers forced to stand up during the ride. Even during peak hours the number of standing passengers was limited to 10 people. (acr)

Popular

Java airports grounded by low demand, poor planning

Malaysia says China ready to sign SEA nuclear weapons-free treaty

Solving the development crisis with quality finance