Wed, 19 Jan 2005

'I hope there will be more corridors'

At least 13 million people have used the busway since it was launched in mid-January 2004. The Jakarta Post asked some residents whether they appreciate the busway, which stretches between Blok M in South Jakarta and Kota in West Jakarta.

Agastia, 24, works at an international school in South Jakarta. She lives with her family in Cinere, South Jakarta.

The busway was very helpful when I worked part-time at two separate offices. I worked at one office and then had to be at the other office within 10 minutes of finishing at the first. I was thankful for the busway.

The busway buses are still clean and well-maintained. But, since it only plies one corridor, its presence hasn't solved the city's traffic woes. The absence of a busway feeder system also means I have to take crowded and inconvenient buses to reach the busway.

It would be helpful if more corridors were developed to cater to the needs of Jakartans for convenient public transportation.

Dewi, 27, owns a printing company in Mangga Dua, West Jakarta. She lives with her family in Jembatan Dua, North Jakarta.

I have taken the busway buses three times and have enjoyed the trips very much. By riding the bus, I traveled faster along the corridor than if I were in a car. There is also no need to waste time looking for parking.

Hopefully, the buses will remain secure and well-maintained. Many people, I think, are willing to take the busway provided it offers good services.

Achmad, 53, works for a foreign company on Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta. He lives in Condet, East Jakarta with his family.

I often use the busway on work breaks or at lunch time. I'm fond of window shopping for electronics at Blok M mall and Glodok electronics center in Kota. The busway is very helpful.

I took the busway instead of my car to reach my office when Jl. Sudirman was flooded.

Unfortunately, there has yet to be adequate feeder services to link residential areas to the busway. I hope more corridors will be developed. -- The Jakarta Post