Experts urge improvement of busway feeder

Experts urge improvement of busway feeder

Urip Hudiono and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In evaluating the busway's first month of operation, two
independent studies highlighted the busway's poor feeder system
and urged the Jakarta administration on Monday to develop more
busway corridors.

One, a joint study conducted by non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) Pelangi and Intrans, pointed out that without immediate
improvement of the feeder system, the Blok M-Kota busway would
face further operational problems.

"We endorse the busway, as it is currently the most
affordable, appropriate form of public transportation for
Jakarta. However, our studies reveal that it is not operating
optimally," said Kuki Soejachmoen, vice director of Pelangi, an
environmental watchdog.

Besides observations on the field, the NGOs supported their
studies by interviewing more than 200 random busway passengers
since its opening on Jan. 15.

Pelangi transportation policy analyst Andi Rahmah explained
that the busway's feeder system included feeder bus services,
pedestrian and passenger sidewalks and "park-and-ride" facilities
for self-driving car owners.

Underlining the confusion among feeder bus operators and
passengers, Intrans executive director Darmaningtyas suggested
the busway management to familiarize supporting services and
their operators on the system.

"If necessary, they should also reconsider the ticketing
system and include bus companies in the busway consortium."

Tori Damantoro of Pelangi added that some of the appointed bus
operators were reluctant to provide feeder bus services, fearing
that it would only deprive them of their usual revenue.

As for passengers, Rahmah urged the busway management to
provide information on the 17 available feeder bus routes and how
to access the routes from each busway shelter.

"Moreover, several routes are a long walk from the shelters,
while most of the connecting sidewalks are in poor condition.
Ironically, many ramp-equipped busway bridges have taken up
sidewalk space," she said.

She also proposed that a cooperation be set up with parking
operators to provide parking facilities in the vicinity of
shelters and terminals.

Darmaningtyas said participants of the study also proposed
that fares should reflect the distance traveled, with the full
route charged at Rp 2,000 (24 U.S. cents). The current fare is Rp
2,500 for any distance traveled.

A separate study conducted by the Japanese International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) recommended the development of four
more busway corridors by 2007: Kalideres-Pulogadung (25.9
kilometers), Blok M-Lebak Bulus (9.4 km), Kota-Ragunan (19.75 km)
and Kota-Kampung Rambutan (24.85 km).

Assuming an increase in commuters and acute traffic jams over
the next three years, the study on an integrated transportation
master plan for Greater Jakarta (SITRAMP) said the addition of
the four corridors was expected to resolve the chaotic traffic
situation.

"For efficiency, the administration should open a tender for
private companies to manage each of the four corridors," Wachi
Tomokazu, SITRAMP team leader, said on Monday.