Basuki Interested to Buy Europe Bus
Reported by Ari Cleofatra Fernandea | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The TransJakarta bus prototype with machine type Scania made in Sweden is exhibited today at the gate of Silang Barat Monas, Central Jakarta, Thursday (5/8). Together with Sweden Ambassador for Indonesia, Ewa Polano, and representatives of PT United Tractors Tbk as Scania producer, Jakarta Vice Governor Basuki T Purnama tested out the bus from Monas area until HI Roundabout.
The bus must meet economic principles and international standards. That’s why we’re currently checking its spare parts, whether the fuel is wasteful or not, meet world standards or not
In that occasion, Basuki acknowledged that he is interested in buying the bus because starting next year Jakarta Provincial Government will use qualified and durable buses. He also hopes Mercedes-Benz from Germany would demonstrate its superiority in the future.
“Not just Scania, we also want Mercedes-Benz to join in next year. Price doesn’t matter, as long as the bus fits with Jakarta’s condition. That’s why its suspension must be good to face city’s streets,” he said.
City to Test Sweden Articulated Bus TomorrowAt the same time, Secretary of Jakarta Transportation Department, Mirza Aryadi, explained that this trial of bus worth Rp 5.8 billion is to answer the needs of Jakartans for transportation to support bus rapid transit (BRT) system.
“The bus must meet economic principles and international standards. That’s why we’re currently checking its spare parts, whether the fuel is wasteful or not, meet world standards or not,” he uttered.
Nevertheless, although Scania bus’ quality is categorized good, Jakarta Transportation Department will not rush in buying the bus to add TransJakarta bus fleets. Moreover, all bus components must go through the auction process first in the Procurement Services Unit (ULP) and e-catalog system. In addition, there are still other producers like Mercedes-Benz that will also show its superiority this year.
According to Aryadi, Jakarta Provincial Government plans to add TransJakarta bus fleets by buying 450 new articulated buses and 1,800 single buses with budget of Rp 3.2 trillion.
