Agency Applies Mandatory Urine Test for Homecoming Bus Driver
4 May 2016 20:12 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of East Java's Transport Agency, Wahid Wahyudi said that all bus drivers departing from Sidoarjo's Purabaya Terminal will be subjected to mandatory drug urinalysis prior to the upcoming long-weekend period.
"Traffic is expected to peak and the number of passengers on the road will exponentially increase as the long-weekend stretches for four days," said Wahid during an inspection of Purabaya Terminal on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.
According to Wahid, the urinalysis will be targeting drivers who are consuming drugs and alcohol. "If the tests come back positive, then sanctions will be applied," Wahid said.
In addition to urinalysis for drugs, drivers can also get their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked prior to departure. "Hopefully, all our drivers are in prime condition to serve our homecoming passengers," said Wahid.
The Sub-DirectorateHead of Public Information and Traffic Management for East Java Police, Adj. Sr. Comr. Adewira Siregar, urinalysis will be made mandatory prior to drivers boarding their buses to operate their routes. Siregar also welcomed the initiative of the East Java's Transport Agency, and the cooperation of Purabaya Terminal.
"Actually, this test should be done on a daily basis," said Siregar. "This is for the safety and security of both the drivers, and their passengers - if they are not fit to drive, then they should be kept off the fleets, and off the roads."
Sigit Hananto Purnomo, a bus driver at Purabaya Terminal, said that he also welcomes the decision to conduct a urinalysis, as well as the provision of free blood pressure and blood sugar check-up for drivers - as he believes that all drivers must be fit to drive to ensure the safety of all passengers. "I'm not afraid of these drug tests - for I have never, ever consumed drugs nor alcohol," Sigit said.
EDWIN FAJERIAL
