TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - City-owned bus operator PT Transportasi Jakarta has established new, strategic business unit Trans Swadaya in a bid to expedite public transport revitalization in Jakarta, which includes Metro Mini medium-sized buses, which has been hamstrung by conflicts at management level. “New buses will allow bus replacements through individual [operator] scheme,” PT Transportasi Jakarta director BudiKaliwono said yesterday, December 26, 2016.

Despite the adoption of individual operator scheme, Budi explained that the buses will still be paid on per kilometer basis, supported by public service obligation (PSO) of Jakarta administration. The PSO was an underlying factor of Transjakarta’s decision to separate revitalization efforts of other public transport in Jakarta outside Metro Mini buses.

In the initial phase, Transjakarta has prepared 100 Japanese-made medium sized buses for the revitalization. The prototype of the buses has been showcased in Transjakarta headquarters to attract potential individual operators.

Those wanting to join the scheme must make an advance payment of Rp70 million—lower than the initial offer of Rp150 million—per unit to the trademark agent of the buses. Thereafter, they will have to buy the buses in installments within a maximum of seven years.

During such period, individual contract holders must operate their buses under Transjakarta operational terms. “They will pay for drivers’ salary and fuel,” Budi said. Transjakarta will pay for bus lease on per kilometer basis. “Operational facilities, such as [bus] shelters and onboard personnel, will be provided by us.”

At present, Budi said that 60 Metro Mini bus owners have joined the scheme.

Metro Mini management led by Nofrialdi had expressed disagreement on the scheme, citing possible takeover of the 40-year old Metro Mini bus business. “It’s nonsense,” he said.

Jakarta Transport Office director Andri Yansyah said that Metro Mini bus owners are not required to join the scheme. However, he said that Transjakarta medium sized buses will operate on the routes currently served by Metro Mini buses. “All routes will be taken over by Transjakarta,” he said.

There are currently 1,500 Metro Mini buses registered in Jakarta. However, only around 800 of them are still operating, many of which are deemed not roadworthy.

NINIS CHAIRUNNISA