'3-in-1 policy only delays traffic jams'

Hundreds of road users have been ticketed for violating the new three-in-one traffic policy enforced on Monday. The offenders are facing sentences of up to a month in prison and a fine of Rp 1 million (US$119). The trials of their cases will be held next week.

However, many residents believe the policy, which is enacted to clear the way for the TransJakarta busway, will not be effective in reducing the number of private cars on the road. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about the issue.

Adrian, 27, is a student of a private university on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. He lives with his parents in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta:

I've always said that the three-in-one policy is nothing but a major mistake. If the city administration thinks that the policy can reduce traffic congestion, then they couldn't be more wrong. If they hope the policy will smoothen the implementation of the busway program, then they can keep on hoping.

Motorists will do everything in their power to keep using their own vehicles, without getting trapped by the policy. The policy will never ease traffic congestion. It'll just delay peak hours.

Susanti, 33, is member of the marketing team of a shipping company on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. She lives with her husband in Depok:

I don't really care that much about the three-in-one policy as I don't drive and thus, have never been affected by the policy. I always take the train from my house to my workplace.

I don't know whether the policy will help ease traffic congestion. I hope it will as the air along Jl. Sudirman is becoming more polluted by the day.

-- The Jakarta Post