'Becak' restricted from main roads

BOGOR (JP): The city administration here will issue a regulation in the near future banning three-wheeled transportation, or becak, from major streets.

City administration secretary Itoch Tochija told reporters recently that the new ruling was not aimed at eliminating the traditional public vehicle, whose number is estimated to have reached 2,000.

"We just want to prevent becak from disrupting traffic order in the city. The vehicle will no longer be given access to the downtown area and major streets," Itoch said.

There were only 996 becak registered in 1994. However, following the city's extension of territory a year later, the number increased by 475.

Itoch said the ban was one component of several rulings aimed at enhancing traffic order. (21)