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