With the 2018 Asian Para Games underway and para athletes demonstrating their grit and determination, motorcycle taxis for the disabled have been provided to transport spectators and athletes.



Near gate five of the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) sports complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, there are two kinds of motorcycle taxis for the disabled parked waiting for customers. The first kind has an additional wagon attached while the second is a modified tricycle.



To grab attention, these motorcycle taxis are painted in various colors like red and green, and are also adorned with the event’s logo. The motorcycle taxi drivers are both men and women with disabilities.



One driver, Miya, said 35 motorcycle taxis had been prepared at each gate of GBK. Miya and other drivers will work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the event.



“We are transporting athletes as well as spectators alike to and from the venue and it’s for free. We work in shifts,” Miya said as quoted by kompas.com on Sunday.



However, Miya added that only the elderly, children and people with disabilities qualified to ride aboard the taxis.



When asked about her motivation for getting involved, Miya said aside from wanting to contribute to the country, the salary was handsome. Echoing these sentiments was another driver, Nur. Nur praised the platform that had been given to them during the quadrennial event.



However, Nur’s motorcycle is not as modified as Miya’s. It has no wagon attached and can only transport one person without a wheelchair.



“There is a big difference between mine and Miya’s. I can only transport people not wheelchairs,” Nur said.



Previously, the Social Affairs Ministry’s secretary-general, Hartanto Laras, said the ministry had provided 5,000 free tickets for people with disabilities daily. The free tickets, he added, were expected to boost interest in the event so people with disabilities could be inspired and also experience a sports event.



“The disabled person who wants to use the free ticket could contact any social organization that has accommodated them. We use this strategy to avoid any ill-mannered effort,” Hartanto said.



The ministry has also provided 10 modified cars that are tailored to accommodate people with disabilities. These modified cars have been tailored to transport people on wheelchair within the GBK complex.



Around 300 volunteers have also been provided to be the helpful hands during the sporting event. These volunteers have been equipped with specific skills to assist people with disabilities and other spectators.



The third edition of Asian Para Games comprises 18 sports played in 19 venues across the capital. A total of 2,800 athletes and 1,800 officials from 42 countries are participating in the multisport event.