Holiday Travellers Claim Train Services Better this Year

Jakarta (Antara) - Local train services this year are better than ever before, according to a number of holiday travellers. Hani, one of the travellers who boarded a train at the Senen Railway Station on Tuesday, said train authorities have implemented a new boarding system for the comfort of the passengers. "The new boarding system allows passengers to board a train one hour before its departure," Hani added, while waiting for the Solo-bound Bengawan train. According to her, train services at the Senen station have become much better this year. She said the management team of the station has imposed stringent rules, and this has led to a reduction in crime. "With the implementation of the new boarding system and the absence of crime, we feel more secure and comfortable," she added. Lukman, another passenger, said the security measures undertaken by the PT Kereta Api Indonesia and the police have reduced the worries and fears of passengers. Lukman added that the presence of security, health, and information command posts at the Senen train station alleviates fear among passengers. On Monday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono inspected the station to get first-hand information about the services available for home-bound travellers. "I took a few minutes of my time to board a train and ensure that all the passengers were seated in air-conditioned compartments," the president wrote on his Twitter account on Tuesday. On his Twitter account, he also mentioned that he had interacted with a number of passengers on board the train. "The number of passengers at the Senen Railway Station has increased by 170 percent this year. I boarded the train and greeted the passengers in the air-conditioned economy class," he noted. The president also showed his appreciation to PT Kereta Api Indonesia, which will transport passengers and their motorcycles to reduce road accidents involving motorcyclists. (*)