'Big taxis not an answer to traffic problems'

The launch of the busway and the enforcement of a new three-in- one traffic policy have sparked public protest at worsening traffic congestion along the city's main thoroughfares. By endorsing the plan for a large taxi company to launch a new service using Kijang minivans, the Jakarta administration will again find itself in a tight spot, as hinted at by some city residents, who spoke to The Jakarta Post on the issue.

Margaretha, 30, works as a marketing manager for a private company in Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta. She lives with her mother in Gajah Mada, West Jakarta:

Kijang taxis? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. We have too many angkot with no passengers, and we have too many taxis that are empty.

More taxis are just going to make the streets more crowded and the air will become more polluted. I guess the thieves will be happy as they will have more opportunities. Now, would somebody please explain to me why we need that kind of taxi? Is the government crazy?

Danand Azis, 24, runs his own consulting firm in Klender, East Jakarta. He lives in Depok, West Java:

I don't see the need for more public vehicles because it won't solve the problem of traffic jams in Jakarta. I think it will even worsen the traffic problems. Furthermore, it is not what Jakartans really need because there are so many taxis in the city already.

Besides, who will be the target market for these Kijang taxis? It is totally unclear. What we need is rehabilitation of the existing bus transportation network in Jakarta so that we can go to work safely and conveniently, at affordable fares.

--The Jakarta Post