TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok received 20 Transjakarta Cares vehicles as a donation from Tahir Foundation at the City Hall on Friday, March 3, 2017.
“Jakarta administration would like to say thank you. Why do we need Transjakarta Cares? Because it had a considerable amount of users. Whom is this for? It’s for impoverished people with disabilities,” Ahok said. “Many disabled people are stuck at home since they don’t have money.”
Transjakarta Cares is a carpool service that picks up people with disabilities to the closest Transjakarta bus stop. Since its launch in October of 2016, there have only been six vehicles that are fully operational. “I hope the delivery of the units can be completed by the mid of March. Hopefully, the operation won't face obstacles,” says Transjakarta President Director, Budi Kaliwono.
As many as 26 Transjakarta Cares units will be operational throughout Jakarta. The disabled will be picked up by the special crews from their homes until they enter a Transjakarta bus. Jakarta citizens can order the service through the call center 1500 102.
A driver and two crews will assist the passengers on the Transjakarta Cares. “One car is able to accommodate seven people, but it would be less comfortable so we limit it to five passengers only,” Budi said.
“This isn’t just a mere transport vehicle, but we would like to provide a chance for [the disabled] to be able to socialize with the rest [of the society],” he said.
ZARA AMELIA | TSE