Land Transportation Fares May Not Increase, Passengers Are Not Allowed To Chat

Illustrated (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) emphasized that there is no increase in land transportation rates, such as intercity, inter-provincial, intercity within provinces, and urban transportation. Including tour buses and taxis during the COVID-19 period.

This was conveyed by the Director General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, Budi Setiyadi. Moreover, he said, the restrictions on the number of passengers had been relaxed. From those previously allowed to carry only 50 percent to 70 percent of passengers.

"There is no premium public transportation that raises the tariff," Budi said via a virtual teleconference with journalists, Friday, June 12.

Budi explained that the allowance for the first phase, which is June 9 to June 31, will increase the bus passenger capacity from 50 percent to 70 percent. In the second phase, from July 1 to July 31, the bus passenger capacity increased again to 75 percent. The third phase is from August 1 to August 31, the capacity will increase to 85 percent.

"For buses in the third and second phases we have not reached between 70 and 85 percent. So, in this phase with such a capacity there is no increase in public transport rates," said Budi.

Ground transport protocols during the new normality

During the new normalcy in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, there were protocol changes in infrastructure, facilities, and other aspects. First, the obligation to spray disinfectants for vehicles, both buses at the terminal and crossings at the pier.

Next is the application of physical distancing. "In all terminals we have made some kind of place or sign, where people can sit and queue," he said.

Then, anyone who enters the terminal or pier area is required to wear a mask. The Ministry of Transportation will prepare hand washing facilities with soap in a place that is easily accessible to transportation passengers.

Before traveling, the vehicle crew must spray disinfectant liquid to kill the corona virus. They also have to ensure that the vehicle crew is in good health, take body temperature, and wear masks.

Then, passengers on the bus during the trip are required to wear a mask. "Then, passengers do not talk throughout the trip and maintain a distance from other passengers," he said.