By Agnes Winarti
Published in Bali Daily/The Jakarta Post Wednesday, October 17 2012
It has been almost 20 years since Balinese society abandoned public transportation due to its unreliability. However, that could become history as Denpasar residents enthusiastically take to the newly launched bright green minibuses.
For over a month now, as many as 48 feeder minibuses that complement the province’s Trans Sarbagita buses, have been roaming the city’s streets, carrying with them passengers from various walks of life, including a 95-year-old grandfather, housewives, the over-60s, office employees, 20-something youngsters and school children.
“Previously, my knees hurt waiting for the bemo [public minibuses]. They took forever to arrive. But things have changed since these new minibuses have been operating. They really are on time,” said Wayan Robin, a grandmother from Sidakarya, who on Tuesday took a ride on the minibus to get to a family wedding ceremony.
“And when they start to charge, it will still be cheaper than those bemo that charge Rp 5,000 [52 US cents],” she said. Until Dec. 31, all rides on the minibuses are free-of-charge, while, starting January next year, adults will pay Rp 2,000 for a one-way ticket.
Cyprianus, an office worker, also acknowledged that he had been taking different feeder minibus routes since they were launched in September. “No, it’s not complicated at all,” he said.
The bright green minibuses currently operate on four different return routes: Route 1 runs between GOR Ngurah Rai and Renon; Route 2 from Matahari Terbit to Simpang Teuku Umar; Route 3 connects Simpang Teuku Umar and Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai; and Route 4 connects Jl. Sudirman–Jl.Waturenggong–Jl. Sidakarya. They intersect with each other, as well as with several stops — including Matahari Terbit, Jl. Sudirman, GOR Ngurah Rai, Jl. Diponegoro and Benoa Pesanggaran, along the two main Trans Sarbagita routes.
First-time passengers like Nanik and Adi, who live in Nusa Dua, acknowledged that taking the minibus was much more comfortable when dealing with traffic jams and the scorching heat on the tropical island. “These days, it’s so hot and traffic is worsening, so if we’re not in a hurry, taking the minibus is a good option,” said Adi, who is in his 20s.
From the overall routes, the Denpasar Transportation Agency has recorded around 1,000 passengers per day using the feeder minibuses, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, a number which has doubled from earlier days when they had just been launched.
Maps of the feeder minibus networks are available and can be requested from the drivers.
“Right now, our main target is to operate punctually, according to our timetable and stay on track with the routes. We want to make public transport reliable, and thus, gain the trust of our passengers.
“That’s why we continue to roam the streets although there are still empty seats,” said driver
Mochammad Sangkala, 56.
The networks not only offer certainty to passengers, they also provide a steady income for the 56 drivers currently working eight-hour shifts.
Sangkala, who previously drove a bemo connecting Ubung terminal to Sanglah hospital, said: “Previously, I did not earn a regular income; sometimes I could get Rp 200,000 a day, others Rp 15,000 or come home with nothing at all. Now, although it’s a small sum, at least, every day I can be sure of receiving Rp 100,000 for driving and the gas.”
Sangkala, who is also driver coordinator for Route 2, acknowledged that maintaining discipline was among the toughest challenge. “Some drivers, not all, are still having difficulty in being punctual,” he said.
Dewa Adi Pradnyana, head of the land transportation service unit at the Denpasar Transportation Agency, told Bali Daily of the agency’s commitment to ensure discipline among the drivers. “Exactly a month after launching, a driver was caught red-handed driving off his route. We found out from our GPS system that he was chartering his vehicle to Sentral Parkir Kuta. We immediately fired him,” said Dewa, citing that next month, a system complementing GPS would come into effective use, enabling the agency’s monitoring personnel to remotely stop the vehicle’s engine if it was discovered violating their operational routes.
“Among other challenges which concern behavioral change is ensuring the drivers don’t smoke while driving. We only allow them to smoke during break times,” said Dewa.
Aiming for better service, next year the administration expects to install air-conditioning in the vehicles, and open a couple of additional routes to connect the western and northern sides of the capital city. “Around 20 more vehicles will be required,” said Dewa.
“We understand if residents are still reluctant to try this mode of public transportation. But please do try it and have your say,” said Dewa. The public are welcome to share their comments by emailing: transdar_dps@yahoo.com, or calling 0361-419295.
