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Semarang's double-decker city tour bus eyes Sept. 18 launch
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Stops at the Buddhagaya Watugong Temple and Semarang Central Java Grand Mosque are still unlikely since the surrounding bus lanes have not been set. (Shutterstock/File)
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government-run double-decker city tour bus designated for tours around Semarang is ready to serve tourists in the Central Java city.
"The plan is to launch the double-decker city tour bus on Sept. 18. It's currently still in the trial process," Semarang Transportation Agency head Muhammah Khadik said in Semarang on Wednesday as quoted by Antara news agency.
The bus, which is valued at Rp 3.6 billion (US$271,000) has the capacity to carry 70 passengers. The vehicle measures 4.2 meters in height and 12 meters in length.
Khadik said the plan was originally set to launch the bus on Sept. 17 to coincide with the National Transportation Day, but was rescheduled for a day later so that it would fall on a Monday.
Various preparations have be run prior to the launch, including a route trial on Aug. 15, as well as displaying the bus on car free day on Sept. 3.
"We saw the great enthusiasm from the public on the big double-decker city tour bus. For now, the tariff of the bus is subsidized, which means the public and tourists would be able to enjoy it for free," Khadik said.
Read also: A guide to visiting Semarang
If the enthusiasm continues to rise, Khadik said the government could add more buses if the budget allows for procurement.
Ade Bhakti, Semarang Transportation Agency's administration head, said the route covering the tour destinations for the bus stops are still being finalized.
"The starting point is still the Mandala Bhakti Museum, but where it would go afterward is still being discussed. The plan is, the second stop would be at Taman Srigunting, in Semarang's Old Town," Ade said.
Ade added that the government is trying to cover all tourist spots along the bus route, but must consider surrounding factors.
Stops at the Buddhagaya Watugong Temple and Semarang Central Java Grand Mosque, for example, are still unlikely since the surrounding bus lanes have not been set.
"That's why just determining the routes also need a thorough preparation," Ade said. (liz/kes)
