The Need for an 'Air Bus' in Bali

(8/24/2012)

A member of the provincial House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali) is issuing a call for the Trans-Sarbagita Bus System now serving most of South Bali to also include the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The secretary of Commission III DPRD-Bali, Gusti Made Suryanta Putra, said, “I hope the provincial government of Bali will soon coordinate with PT Angkasa Pura I at the Ngurah Rai Airport to allow buses from the Trans-Sarbagita System to serve passengers.”

Speaking on Friday, August 24, 2012, Putra said it is the government’s responsibility to make public transportation available to the public. Adding, “This must be done by the government as an additional service to the public and visiting tourists.”

The legislator lamented that Bali’s airport is perhaps the only airport in Indonesia not served by a public bus system. As a result, passengers are compelled to use the taxi monopoly operated from the airport.

At the very least, he said Angkasa Pura should provide buses connecting the airport with the Kuta Central Parking area – the major interchange for the Trans-Sarbagita Bus System. This would represent both a service to travelers but help reduce traffic congestion in Bali.

Made Budastra, another member of the DPRD-Bali, joins Putra’s chorus for public transport at Bali's air gateway. Budastra cited the many complaints from air travelers who complain about the high cost of the taxi monopoly now run at the airport.

Both legislators reminded that there are laws requiring a disbanding of monopolies and the provision of public transportation to the public. Both men cited as a positive example the Damri Bus Service operated at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta that provides an important and affordable service to the public.

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