Traffic drives on the left. Nearly half of the network is paved. There are good road communications within Java and to a lesser extent on Bali and Sumatra. The other islands have a poor road system, although conditions are improving with tourism becoming more important. Bus fares are about the same as third-class rail.
Vehicles can be extremely crowded.
The crew includes three conductors who also act as touts. There are 'Bis Malam' night-buses on a number of routes, running in competition with the railways. Pre-booking is essential. All taxis are metered. Outside Jakarta, the bajaj , a bicycle rickshaw, can be hired by the journey or by the hour.