Something I found on another site (and this thread) which is now going into my info-vault regarding Batam's Public Transport :
Add-on -
https://samsforum.com/showpost.php?p=151...postcount=3570
Here's some useful info provided by bro BFOMF5 -
https://samsforum.com/showpost.php?p=156...postcount=5966
My own experience on Batam taxis -
https://samsforum.com/showpos...postcount=2162
...and I add-on my part of what I found that may comes in handy.
Quote:
|
Batam Transport
Batam does not really have a transport system in place that can be called tourist friendly. There is no bus service that operates on a strict timetable, taxis and taxi drivers are notroiously difficult due to the fact that passengers have to bargain endlessly with the drivers who charge exhorbatant prices for tourists. That said the recent allowance of the Bluebird taxis to operate in Batam has been a great leap forward.
Most visitors to Batam prefer and are well advised to find a bus or people carrier and driver for the day in order to get around.
The more daring and adventurous travellers that want to experience the transport facilities in place in Batam there are several options such as Ojek, Angkot, Taxi and Batam Bus.
Batam Taxis
Most taxis in Batam do not use Meters.
Travellers should also be aware that there are unscrupulous operators of unlicensed taxis and these should be avoided. A registered taxi will have a yellow number plate.
When out and about at shopping centres and ferry terminals there will be a be touting taxi service in operation at these locations and only these taxis can be chartered for pick up. Other taxis are allowed to drop off but not pick up.
At these locations there is usually a guide showing the price for specific destinations. For example if wishing to take a taxi from the from Batam Centre Ferry terminal there will be aboard showing prices to Nagoya Hills, BCS Mall Sekupang, Sukajadi etc.
The easiest taxi service to use in Batam is Bluebird. This is a trusted company that has for a long time operated successfully in Jakarta and now operates in Batam. Bluebird even has an on-line booking system via the internet and mobile App. For new visitors to Batam this service is highly recommended as the staff work to a strict code of conduct and the fares are reasonable and often cheaper than the one you may have to bargain for with other drivers.
The other service that use meters and was actually the first to operate this way is Silver Cab. They are located close to Kepri Mall in Sukajadi but can be called for pick up.
Important - metered taxis in Batam have a minimum charge of RP. 25,000 so for visitors wanting to go just a short distance between malls for example this can work out more expensive.
Blue Bird Taxi
The Blue Bird taxi service is reliable and easy to use.
They have their own online booking system and handphone app for calling them or booking.
Blue Bird staff operate on a strict code of conduct and are friendly. Taxis are always clean and well presented.
Tel. +62 778 421234
E-mail : [email protected]
_______________________________
Silver Cab Taxi
Silver Cab group were the first to operate in Batam using meters.
Their website has details of fares and booking. There is a minimum charge of rp. 25,000 so not suitable for short journeys.
Tel +62 778 461000 or +62 778 460625
Email: [email protected]
_______________________________
Angkot (Mini bus) Batam
The nearest Batam has to a regular bus service is the Angkot or Metro Trans.
These are mini bus type vehicles operating on specific set routes throughout Batam. They do not operate on a timetable as passengers simply wait a few minutes at the road side for one to arrive.
Angkots only move at pace if they are full and are usually extremely slow as the driver tries to scout for and pick up as many passengers as possible, they usually have space for 8 or 9 people but the driver may well do his best to squeeze as many in as possible.
The ride is not particularly comfortable and not air conditioned but on the plus side the fares are extremely cheap. Angkots use a colour system that defines the route they are taking.
Routes in operation are :
- Jodoh to Nongsa
- Muka Kuning- to Batu Aji
- Jodoh to Bengkong
- Bengkong to Muka Kuning
- Jodoh to Punggur
- Jodoh to Batu Aji-Dapur 12 via Sukajadi
- Jodoh-Batu to Aji and Tanjung Uncang via Batam Center
See the table for more information.
_______________________________
Public Bus Transport Batam
There are only 2 bus routes in Batam that operate large air conditioned vehcles with specific timetables.
Batam Centre (Mega Mall) to Sekupang and Batam Centre to Batu Aji.
Visitors arriving at Batam centre ferry terminal can find these busses located at the Harris hotel in Batam centre. They run approximately every 30 minutes.
Ojek (Motorcycle Taxi)
The Ojek is actually a motorbike taxi and there's lots and lots that operate around Batam. In Jakarta there is now a smartphone App to order an Ojek called Gojek this has now arrived in Batam in the form of Wak Jek. The Ojek is actually very useful means of transport at bus periods where traffic jams are common but it's very important to remember to check the weather first as arriving at your destination soaking wet and then walking into an airconditioned environment is not recommended. Visitors that wish to get around on an Ojek can call them or simply ask someone who will know where to get one.
Ordering is simple too, just download the app on the play store and off you go it really is that simple.
You can find more info on the Wakjek website at
http://wakjekindonesia.com/
or their facebook site at
https://www.facebook.com/wakjekbatam/
Wakjek
Commercial Anggrek Mas Blok A2 No. 2 16
29464 Batam
+62 811-773-933
Well a new option is Wakjek ,a company that operates motorcycle taxis.
Distinguishable by their bright orange jackets, the Wakjaks are a real alternative when you want to get about.
Based in the Batam Center area a Wakjek can be summoned in minutes and because this is from a known and trusted source you can feel assured that it’s a safe service to use.
The company has been operating for some months now and appear to be going from strength to strength.
But it’s not just the transport of people they offer, the also transport goods, take away food, shopping and pretty much anything that’ll fit on a motorcycle, and of course if you’ve been to Indonesia you’ll know they can pretty much fit anything on a motorcycle.
|