'Busway might worsen traffic flow'

The city administration plans to introduce the busway system, which is designed to alleviate traffic along the bus route from Blok M in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta. The plan has drawn public skepticism, as critics say it is not an appropriate solution for the problem. The Jakarta Post talked to residents about the issue.

Nelly, 30, is a staff member at a private English school in Central Jakarta. She is a resident of Cilandak, South Jakarta:

In a way, I'm happy to know that the city administration will be doing something about the traffic next year. At least the new system is going to benefit the commuters who go this route. I will probably use it someday if it will help me get to my office faster.

However, it's disappointing to see city residents' lack of awareness when it comes to public transit. I mean a lot of well- off people would rather take their cars to work.

Their habits contribute to severe traffic congestion in the city. As a result, traffic is a serious problem since more people are driving their own cars to work or school.

Besides, there could be a serious impact from the new system as competition between the buses will be tougher.

I'm not sure if the busway system can achieve its goals.

Dian is a housewife who resides in Kayu Jati, East Jakarta with her husband and daughter:

The busway system seems like an impossible mission! It sounds crazy! With additional buses on the Blok M to Kota route, the traffic could become even worse.

Public transit crews and city residents sorely lack discipline and there is little public awareness about how to keep traffic running smoothly. So, whatever the system will be, it won't make any difference.

Worse still, most Jakartans feel that the buses are not a good choice for a comfortable, safe ride. That's the reason why people drive their own cars -- they feel safer. As a result, there are more and more cars in the city, which then clogs the main roads every day. It's no wonder then that traffic jams are getting worse.

I guess it would be better to use the billions of rupiah in the budget to improve comfort and safety on board the buses.

Once residents feel that the transit system is secure, they will tend to use it.

I don't think the problems of heavy traffic can be solved overnight. Instead, it will take a long time and involve increasing public discipline and implementing safety standards.

Antonius, 40, is an employee at a private company in South Jakarta. He resides in Tangerang with his wife and son:

I'm very pessimistic about the busway system because it will not instantly solve the traffic problem.

The system will only aggravate traffic as there will be less space for regular buses or other vehicles.

I cannot imagine that the addition of buses in the busway system can alleviate traffic when the reverse will happen, and there will be more jams due to drivers' lack of discipline.

Perhaps a subway system could help solve the traffic problem if the city administration was able to stop flooding in the city. The flyover might also help alleviate heavy traffic, as long as the administration can afford it.

I think the system is a waste of money, and the billions of rupiah it is costing would be better spent on helping city residents.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.