Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta has welcomed the newly launched Trans Jogja with hopes the system, similar to the TransJakarta busway, can provide affordable, comfortable public transportation.
Thousands of residents, including students, have used the new busway since its official opening early last week by Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.
Mothers and children, students and workers have traveled to traditional markets, shopping malls and offices across the city with fares costing only Rp 1,000 (approximately nine U.S. cents) during the ongoing trial period.
One passenger, Himawan, said he was pleased with the new bus service.
"Now, it's easier for me to reach Adi Sucipto airport by taking the busway. Previously, people had difficulty getting to the airport due to a lack of transportation options," he said.
Amini, a resident of Wates, Bantul, went sightseeing Tuesday in Yogyakarta with her youngest daughter. They traveled around the city and reached the Jogja Kembali Museum in 10 minutes from their home.
"Traveling on the Trans Jogja is more comfortable, safer and cheaper than using existing public buses," she said.
"I hope this system will be maintained and developed in the future."
Local transportation office head Sigit Haryanto said the trial would continue through March. 1.
He acknowledged there were still faults in the service; for example many ticket cards could not be used and other vehicles still traveled in the busway lanes.
"We have assigned employees to order vehicles not to park in busway lanes, and will put up signs so vehicles do not park there anymore," Sigit said.
Employees and security guards have been stationed at all bus shelters to maintain security and make passengers feel safer, Trans Jogja shelter guard Akbar said Tuesday.
"We are paid to ensure security on the new service," he said.
A ticket attendant at the Condong Catur shelter, Aminah, said after the trial period ended, authorities would raise fares for students and the general public.
Aminah said passengers could buy single trip tickets at the shelters, while travel cards and student tickets would be made available at outlets and the local transportation office. Travel cards would have a minimum price of Rp 15,000 and could be re-charged to Rp 25,000, Rp 50,000 or Rp 100,000, she said.
"The public will be required to pay Rp 2,700 per trip, while students will pay only Rp 2,000," she said.
Trans Jogja driver Saptono said the buses had been designed to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
"We hope the Trans Jogja will serve Yogyakarta's need for good public transportation," Saptono said.
The Trans Jogja is operated by PT Jogja Tugu Trans, owned by a consortium consisting of the Sleman Youth, Kopata, Aspada and Puskopkar cooperatives and state-owned transportation company Perum Damri.
Trans Jogja buses travel on dedicated busway lanes across the province, 16 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..
The consortium operate 54 air-conditioned buses with 34 seats each. As many as 67 shelters have been constructed across Yogyakarta at a cost of Rp 70 million each.
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