"The ministry would continue to urge motorcyclists to use the free services."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Transportation Ministry is providing free trips in order to encourage motorcyclists to travel by ship during the Lebaran holiday exodus this year, Transportation Minister EE Mangindaan said here on Monday.
The minister added that his office would provide Semarang-bound motorcyclists with ships, while bike riders going to West Java will be offered free bus services.
"Besides the Transportation Ministry, Jasa Raharja and several Brand Holding Agencies (APM) will offer free homecoming services to the motorbikers," Mangindaan said in a written statement to ANTARA News.
He stated the ministry would continue to urge motorcyclists to use the free services, in an effort to reduce traffic density in the northern highway of Java island.
Mangindaan said warship KRI Banda Aceh, which could carry up to 1,500 passengers and 1,000 motorcycles, would transport the holidaymakers to Semarang, Central Java.
He added that more vessels, with 150 crew members in each, would depart from Tanjung Priok harbour, North Jakarta, to Tanjung Emas harbour, Semarang, three days before Idul-Fitr.
The ships have been scheduled to return to Tanjung Priok harbour on August 23, 2012.
Motorcycle riders aboard will be provided with life jackets. However, motorbikers who still choose to take to the road can benefit from special tracks and rest shelters.
Jasa Raharja will provide free travel services with 300 buses on August 15, 2012.
(Uu.LPW/INE/O001)
(T.O001/B/KR-BSR/O001) 16-07-2012 15:02:18
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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