The tariff of ubiquitous three-wheel pedicab, or becak, service in Yogyakarta is usually decided by mutual agreement between consumers and drivers.
To avoid uncertainty and overpriced fare, however, the municipal transportation agency plans to introduce the use of taximeter in the traditional pedicabs.
“We are still studying and receiving inputs on the best taximeter that suits the characteristic of becak,” agency head for traffic affairs Purnomo told tempointeraktif.com on Thursday.
He added the agency was involving experts and pedicab associations in the search for the most acceptable device, which he said should also take into account the load factor and weather.
Purnomo added the taximeter was expected to put an end to public complaints, including from tourists, about cheating committed by pedicab drivers who tend to mark up the fares.
Chairman of the Yogyakarta pedicab drivers association, Totok Yudhianto, welcomed the plan. “We have long demanded official rate for our service. In the absence of meter, we propose Rp 5,000 in minimum tariff,” he said.
The agency has registered 6,500 becaks operating across the city, which can accommodate a maximum of 7,500 three-wheel pedicabs only.
Purnomo said in the future the public transportation device would be restricted to the outskirts in order not to cause traffic congestion in the downtown.
Taken from: The Jakarta Post
