"We will set tariff changes for the three special groups of the BTS urban transportation service in 10 cities. The three groups are students, the elderly (individuals over 60 years of age), and persons with disabilities," Director of Road Transport Suharto revealed here on Monday.
The 10 cities are Solo, Surabaya, Bandung, Banyumas, Makassar, Banjarmasin, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Medan, and Palembang.
"This special tariff will take effect soon. We are finalizing the technical regulation that will regulate the special tariff provisions," he remarked.
Suharto said his side is also disseminating information on the special fare, so the special groups can register to avail the benefits.
The BTS current fare for the public ranges from Rp3,600 (US$0.24) to Rp6,200 (US$0.42), according to Ministerial Regulation (PMK) No. 55 of 2023.
"The three special groups get subsidies from the government twice, with the first subsidy given from Ministerial Regulation No. 55 of 2023, while another subsidy is given to them, which is cheaper than the fares stated in PMK," he explained.
To get the special tariff, students, the elderly, and disabled people can register online or visit the local transportation office to get their electronic money cards activated.
With the integrated fare, passengers changing buses are not required to pay again for a certain period.
"We also hope that local governments in other cities can provide public transportation subsidies," Suharto remarked.
The Transportation Ministry also said that several factors were taken into account while formulating the policy of imposing special tariffs and the Finance Ministry's regulations on subsidies for urban transportation operations were also considered.
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Translator: Benardy F, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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