Blok M-Kota buses to be replaced

JAKARTA: Buses currently plying the Blok M-Kota route will be replaced once the busway project begins in December 2003, as currently scheduled, a project leader said on Friday.

"We plan to use the buses currently serving the Blok M-Kota route as feeder buses for the busway project," said Irzal Djamal, chief coordinator of the busway project.

The Blok M-Kota route is currently served by PPD P1, Patas AC B1 and Steady Safe 938 buses.

The busway is a city project meant to alleviate the capital's transportation and traffic problems.

Experts have said that Jakarta, with a population of eight million, needs a transportation system such as a subway system. However, a subway system was deemed infeasible for the city, so the busway system was devised in its place.

There is some skepticism whether the busway project will be able to minimize the city's traffic and transportation problems, particularly considering that it will serve only one route.--Antara