From Detik News:
MRT Jakarta Ticket Priced At Rp 38 Thousand Judged Too Expensive
Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that ticket prices for the planned Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta (MRTJ) might cost around Rupiah 38 thousand [USD $4] without subsidies. This price is still considered to be too expensive. Jokowi wishes to lower the ticket price for the MRTJ project to be fully realized.
“The primary purpose of building the MRT is to transport all people, including those with lower income. Therefore, the ticket price should be adjusted accordingly to consider the general public,” said Saleh Husin, a member of the House of Representatives Commission V in Transportation when contacted by detik.com.
According to Saleh, the MRTJ project aims to reduce traffic congestion in Jakarta and make it convenient for all residents. If the ticket prices are too expensive, then this facility can only be enjoyed by the middle class and above.
As previously reported, Jokowi had held a meeting with the Director of PT MRTJ. However, Jokowi is still concerned with the expensive ticket prices. Thus, Jokowi plans to request additional assistance through the central government to provide a 70 percent subsidy for each MRT ticket.
“The issue is regarding ticket prices. It is still slightly priced above what I would like. Considering the initial price is at Rp 38 thousand, the most we can subsidize is down to between Rp 15 or 18 thousand. Ideally it should cost only USD 1 (Rp 9-10 thousand) similar to other countries. However, that seems unattainable, which is why we need additional help from the central government.” he explained.
Comments from Detik News:
Dian Aditya:
From the start, I knew there was something wrong with this MRT project. Who would approve continuing this project when they know that each ticket costs Rp 38 thousand?
wryid30:
Ask Indonesian banks to cooperate. In return, maybe give them free advertising space which will benefit everyone and do not affect any operation.
Hilia Yanti:
I’m pretty sure there won’t be many passengers…
ray_progressive:
If only it cost Rp 38 thousand for the entire week.
guest:
Make the ticket price free, and soon the MRT will be vandalized.
Juliete Princes:
Maybe they should learn from Hong Kong. Build many shops (such as 7-Eleven) in every MRT station to earn rental income. Then MRT tickets won’t be as expensive.
Agung Prabowo:
Is it an entertainment arena? Please be considerate with the ticket cost… Don’t forget that those who would use this facility are mostly lower-income people, not government officials.
hamzah_hz:
MRT ticket priced at Rp 38 thousand is truly unrealistic for its target users. It is 10 times more expensive than riding a motorcycle or other form of public transport. Thus, it will consume all of your month’s salary.
Pengen Komen:
Wow. That’s so expensive and obviously they want a quick turnover. Who came up with such a calculation? How could the ticket price be more expensive than other advanced countries…?
manisshinta:
So expensive… I suggest they use cheaper building materials from China, instead of Japan or Europe… Since they might save on building costs by half, hopefully the MRT ticket price will be lower.
antoup30:
If the ticket price is expensive, the MRT might remain well-maintained like in Singapore. However, if the ticket price is too cheap, the MRT will get dirty pretty fast, with lots of vandalism.
What do you think of the proposed MRT ticket price at USD$4? How much should it cost to be considered reasonable?
