Access to 3 in 1

Access to 3 in 1

From Panjimas

Jakarta's infamous traffic jams cause headaches and problems
for everyone. The government has endeavored to tackle or at least
ease a number of traffic trouble spots. But have the measures
been effective?

For example, has the three-in-one regulation yielded results?
Motorists can easily circumvent the regulation by paying for one
or two extra passengers. Since many motorists resort to this
practice, the traffic remains congested.

Why do road users persevere in the use of their own motor
vehicles despite the restrictions? The government should realize
that Jakarta's public transport facilities are inadequate.

A proposal was recently submitted to the authorities. A
sticker costing Rp 40,000 to Rp 50,000 a month would allow
motorists to enter the 3-in-1 zone. But would this method be
effective?

A motorist who requires the services of an extra passenger at
an average of Rp 2,000 a day, may spend 25 times Rp 2,000, the
equivalent of Rp 50,000 a month. This rough calculation shows
that a motorist who usually takes one passenger would not be
affected by the new measure.

For a motorist from outside Jakarta using the 3-in-1 zone only
once in a while, a sticker would be far too expensive.

I think that any solution for Jakarta's traffic problems
should begin with the provision of an adequate and humane public
transport service. The various charges imposed on motorists
should be limited so that life in the capital does not become
increasingly expensive and difficult.

ADI NUGROHO

Bekasi, West Java