Busway and discipline<\/p>\n
As a frequent visitor and sometimes resident of Jakarta since
\n1997, I have often used public bus services, especially those
\nplying the main thoroughfare running between Kota, West Jakarta,
\nand Blok M, South Jakarta. The route is direct and the
\ntransportation is a fraction of the cost of taking a taxi, and
\noften almost as quick.<\/p>\n
I have also had a great number of pleasant experiences meeting
\nordinary Jakartans taking the buses. So it was with great
\nanticipation that I looked forward to the launch of the
\nTransJakarta Busway on Thursday, Jan. 15. Now I could zip back
\nand forth between Kota and Blok M at yet greater speed and in
\ngreater comfort on a public transit system and not get stuck in
\nparking lot-like traffic jams because of the special lanes
\ndedicated to these buses.<\/p>\n
Since I'm staying in Petojo, West Jakarta, I walked to the
\nnearest stop in front of Carrefour on Jl. Gajah Mada with the
\nintention of going to Glodok for computer software. I approached
\nthe ticket counter, got my free ticket and was personally
\nwelcomed by the staff, since I was probably the first foreigner
\nto board the Busway at that station. There was a small crowd in
\nfront of the sliding doors waiting for the next bus.<\/p>\n
When the bus came, it became immediately evident that the
\ndesign is completely wrong: People enter and exit the bus through
\nthe same door.<\/p>\n
Indonesian elevator mentality being what it is, the waiting
\ncrowd pushed and shoved to enter, not letting those inside the
\nbus to alight first! After failing to board the first two buses
\nbecause of overcrowding, someone asked me, \"Hey mister, what do
\nyou think of the Busway?\" I replied that we should queue on both
\nsides of the door, leaving space for those exiting the bus, and
\nthen get on in an orderly manner. They all smiled dumbly, and
\ncontinued to block the door and press up against it.<\/p>\n
Once I finally got on a bus, we were packed like sardines in a
\ncan, such that even if someone fainted, he wouldn't fall down.<\/p>\n
I think the Busway has the potential to alleviate some of
\nJakarta's traffic problems. To do this, however, it needs to
\nprovide a safe and pleasant experience with easy, orderly access
\nfor people -- if they are expected to leave their cars at home.<\/p>\n
JOE VISSER
\nJakarta<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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