'Busway might worsen traffic flow'<\/p>\n
The city administration plans to introduce the busway system,
\nwhich is designed to alleviate traffic along the bus route from
\nBlok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta. The plan has
\ndrawn public skepticism, as critics say it is not an appropriate
\nsolution for the problem. The Jakarta Post talked to residents
\nabout the issue.<\/p>\n
Nelly, 30, is a staff member at a private English school in
\nCentral Jakarta. She is a resident of Cilandak, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
In a way, I'm happy to know that the city administration will
\nbe doing something about the traffic next year. At least the new
\nsystem is going to benefit the commuters who go this route. I
\nwill probably use it someday if it will help me get to my office
\nfaster.<\/p>\n
However, it's disappointing to see city residents' lack of
\nawareness when it comes to public transit. I mean a lot of well-
\noff people would rather take their cars to work.<\/p>\n
Their habits contribute to severe traffic congestion in the
\ncity. As a result, traffic is a serious problem since more people
\nare driving their own cars to work or school.<\/p>\n
Besides, there could be a serious impact from the new system
\nas competition between the buses will be tougher.<\/p>\n
I'm not sure if the busway system can achieve its goals.<\/p>\n
Dian is a housewife who resides in Kayu Jati, East Jakarta
\nwith her husband and daughter:<\/p>\n
The busway system seems like an impossible mission! It sounds
\ncrazy! With additional buses on the Blok M to Kota route, the
\ntraffic could become even worse.<\/p>\n
Public transit crews and city residents sorely lack discipline
\nand there is little public awareness about how to keep traffic
\nrunning smoothly. So, whatever the system will be, it won't make
\nany difference.<\/p>\n
Worse still, most Jakartans feel that the buses are not a good
\nchoice for a comfortable, safe ride. That's the reason why people
\ndrive their own cars -- they feel safer. As a result, there are
\nmore and more cars in the city, which then clogs the main roads
\nevery day. It's no wonder then that traffic jams are getting
\nworse.<\/p>\n
I guess it would be better to use the billions of rupiah in
\nthe budget to improve comfort and safety on board the buses.<\/p>\n
Once residents feel that the transit system is secure, they
\nwill tend to use it.<\/p>\n
I don't think the problems of heavy traffic can be solved
\novernight. Instead, it will take a long time and involve
\nincreasing public discipline and implementing safety standards.<\/p>\n
Antonius, 40, is an employee at a private company in South
\nJakarta. He resides in Tangerang with his wife and son:<\/p>\n
I'm very pessimistic about the busway system because it will
\nnot instantly solve the traffic problem.<\/p>\n
The system will only aggravate traffic as there will be less
\nspace for regular buses or other vehicles.<\/p>\n
I cannot imagine that the addition of buses in the busway
\nsystem can alleviate traffic when the reverse will happen, and
\nthere will be more jams due to drivers' lack of discipline.<\/p>\n
Perhaps a subway system could help solve the traffic problem
\nif the city administration was able to stop flooding in the city.
\nThe flyover might also help alleviate heavy traffic, as long as
\nthe administration can afford it.<\/p>\n
I think the system is a waste of money, and the billions of
\nrupiah it is costing would be better spent on helping city
\nresidents.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/busway-might-worsen-traffic-flow-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }