Coordinating Minister AHY Emphasized The Importance Of Bus Feasibility Tests For The Safety Of Christmas And New Year's Passengers

Infra Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono conducted a ramp check of bus vehicles at Terminal Type A Tirtonadi, Surakarta, Central Java, Tuesday (17/12/2024). (ANTARA)

SOLO - Coordinating Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Development (Menko Infra) Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) requested that the bus vehicle feasibility test be carried out strictly to ensure passenger safety during the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year transportation periods.

"I advise you to carry out this feasibility test firmly in accordance with applicable regulations, because we must not compromise with the safety aspect of passengers," AHY said, quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday, December 17.

AHY emphasized that all bus feasibility indicators, both technical and administrative, must be checked carefully so that vehicles operating are completely safe and feasible to run. Unqualified buses will be subject to sanctions, such as travel delays to temporary operational dismissals, in order to minimize the risk of accidents.

"We are taking this step to ensure the safety, security and comfort of the passengers. This is our priority task," he said.

AHY also reminded the importance of vehicle readiness to face extreme weather, such as heavy rain, strong winds, and potential landslides, which often occur at the end of the year. He emphasized that the condition of the prime vehicle is a key factor to ensure the journey runs safely and smoothly in the midst of these challenges.

"The weather, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or puddles, must be anticipated properly. The prime condition of the bus is the key to safety," he added.

Previously, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) had tightened supervision of public transport vehicles, including buses, through installing red cross stickers on vehicles that did not pass the feasibility test (ramp check).

The Acting Director General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, Ahmad Yani, explained that buses that were declared unfit for operation would be given a red cross as a warning and a ban on operations.

"The bus that did not pass the feasibility test we gave a red cross. This is a firm step to improve transportation safety during Christmas and New Year," said Yani.

Coordination between terminal managers, bus operators, and the government is expected to provide safety, security, and comfort guarantees for passengers during the peak of the Christmas and New Year homecoming flows.

With this strict supervision, the government hopes to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that year-end holiday trips run smoothly.

"We hope that there will be no obstacles or accidents during this holiday period, especially during the peak of homecoming," AHY concluded.