TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta-owned bus operator Transjakarta was set to close all forms of cash transactions, both in the top-up of electronic money and the purchase of new cards starting Thursday, March 19. The policy will be applied at all Bus Rapid Transit or BRT stops.

Head of the Transjakarta Corporate and Public Relations Division, Nadia Disposanjoyo, said the policy was taken as an effort to prevent further transmission of the coronavirus infection or COVID-19 in mass transports. "For commuters who want to take Transjakarta service, make sure you have sufficient balance in your electronic money card," Nadia said in her written statement, Wednesday, March 18.

However, Nadia explained that passengers who want to top-up their balance can use a debit card at the bus stop as usual, yet it is available for certain banks only, such as BCA, BNI, and Bank Mandiri. "You can also top up the card balance through Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) or at the nearest minimarket," she added.

Previously, Transjakarta had adjusted its bus operations and service patterns so that social distancing on public transports can be realized.

The adjustment, Nadia went on, had been applied on March 16 until March 30 following the appeal of the Jakarta provincial administration. "This is done so that the safe distance recommendation between commuters at 1 to 2 meters on the bus and at the bus stop can be accommodated," Nadia said on Sunday, March 15.

ADAM PRIREZA