"As of March 1, passengers will not be allowed to smoke in coaches during a train journey, including in areas near the toilet," the spokesman of the company`s Operation Area II, Bambang Setya Prayitno, said.Bandung, West Java (ANTARA News) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia will impose a smoking ban on March 1, 2012 in economy, business and executive coach cars.
"As of March 1, passengers will not be allowed to smoke in coaches during a train journey, including in areas near the toilet," the spokesman of the company`s Operation Area II, Bambang Setya Prayitno, said here on Wednesday.
The regulation is effective for short- as well as long-haul journeys, he added.
He noted that the decision was taken to improve the comfort and security of passengers, as well as reduce damages as part of the health campaign.
"All passengers, without exception, will not be allowed to smoke during a journey. People may only smoke in smoking areas at stations," he said.
To familiarize passenger with the smoking ban, the company has begun informing the public about it through mass media, as well as posters put up at stations and on trains.
"It is hoped on March 1, 2012 that all passengers would have been informed about it and would adhere to it," he said.
Regarding sanctions, Bambang said that those who violate the regulation would be reprimanded or ordered off the train at the nearest station.
"Sanctions would be given to violators, including dropping violators at the nearest station, but the sanctions would be implemented in stages and persuasively," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
