Integrated concept imperative

Integrated concept imperative

From Warta Kota

Jakarta has its own concept of public transportation, but as was reported in the mass media lately, it has no integrated planning, so that the consequent impacts and excesses are not taken into account.

For instance, the extended 3-in-1 zones and times have triggered a lot of protests, because in certain areas the restriction forces passengers and motorists to use alternative routes, causing much difficulty and frustration.

Another example is the busway project, which will force passengers to pay extra fares as they have to change their bus at some point. Several bus routes will even have to be diverted or eliminated altogether

The lack of integration is also reflected in the traffic confusion and congestion in the city. A median strip separating the busway lane from the rest of the road is still abused by pushcarts loaded with goods.

The Jakarta administration seems only capable of dealing with the transportation problem from one aspect, thus leaving various consequences unattended. Even the personnel formulating this busway concept may be surprised by the unforeseen muddle.

Different professional circles should therefore be included, or participate, in the planning and arrangement of Jakarta's public transportation, instead of imposing a unbalanced concept arbitrarily.

SUNAR HADIPRODJO Jakarta