'I prefer my car even if I have to take a joki'

The launching of the TransJakarta Busway on Thursday was warmly welcomed by people in Greater Jakarta, with many trying out the buses during the two-week free trial period. For motorists, the busway means being trapped in endless traffic jams along the busway route from Blok M, South Jakarta, to Kota, West Jakarta, and avoiding travel during the hours of the extended three-in-one traffic zone. Some private car users conveyed their complaints to The Jakarta Post.

Amelia, 24, is an employee of a private company on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. She lives in Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan:

I don't think I will use the busway since I can still drive my own car to the office on Jl. Sudirman in Semanggi area. I can avoid the three-in-one traffic zone by taking the back entrance to my office building.

I am trying the busway today just to have lunch at Plaza Indonesia because it's free of charge. But I don't know, when the buses are fully operational... maybe I'll just have the food delivered.

I think the buses are comfortable enough and I really enjoyed my first experience on board. Admittedly the buses are very crowded but I think it's still tolerable.

Rio, 30, is a sales executive of a company on Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. He lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta:

I would still prefer to drive my own car from home to the office even if I have to use joki (people who pose as passengers for a small fee) every day to be able to enter the three-in-one zone.

I find the busway confusing. Should I go to Blok M first from my home or to the nearest point along the busway corridor? And when the feeder buses are available, will they be comfortable and convenient?

I think the busway is only useful for those who travel along the corridor. But for those who only travel along some parts of the corridor, the absence of the feeder buses will make the busway useless.

-- The Jakarta Post