Jakarta – Ride-hailing app Go-Jek has increased its per kilometer fare for ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers in Greater Jakarta, says a company representative.
Its chief of public policy and government relations, Shinto Nugroho, said the fares have been raised from around Rp 2,200 (15 US cents) to Rp 3,300 per kilometer, from Rp 1,600/km for short trips.
"The new fares apply outside rush hours," Shinto said as reported by kompas.com on Tuesday. Go-Jek is also giving drivers, who operate at night, an extra bonus.
Despite the increase, Two-Wheel Action Movement (Garda) leader Igun Wicaksono said the drivers still would not accept it. According to him, the drivers demanded that the company raise the fares from Rp 3,000 to Rp 4,000/km.
With the current fares, Igun added, the drivers often found it difficult to cover their operational expenses with their earnings, such as gas and maintenance. "We will not stop [protesting for higher fares] until they accept our request," Igun said on Tuesday.
"We are still waiting on the company's goodwill gesture for the Asian Games," he added, saying the drivers planned to stage a rally on the same day as the Games' opening ceremony, which will be held on Saturday.
Go-Jek's competitor, Grab, is one of the Games' sponsors. (vla)