KPBB States Car Free Day is an Effort to Transform Public Transport Systems

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Committee for the Elimination of Lead Petrol (KPBB) has stated that Car Free Day (CFD) is one of the efforts to transform urban transport systems into sustainable and environmentally friendly models.

“CFD is not merely a weekly recreational activity, but rather part of an effort to encourage the transformation of sustainable urban transport systems,” said KPBB Executive Director Safrudin in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to him, Jakarta, in particular, still faces various increasingly complex urban challenges, such as the growth in the number of motor vehicles, traffic congestion, and air pollution.

Safrudin reminded that CFD invites the public to reduce dependence on private motor vehicles by shifting their lifestyle towards “sustainable urban mobility,” which includes the culture of walking, cycling, and using mass public transport for daily travel.

“The 24th Car Free Day anniversary should serve as a momentum to strengthen our commitment to developing humanist urban policies characterised by a reduction in urban challenges,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Jakarta Provincial Transportation Agency, Budi Awaluddin, stated that CFD aligns with the “avoid, shift, and improve” principle of Transport Demand Management. This involves managing transport demand by avoiding unnecessary trips, shifting trips to more sustainable modes of transport, and improving the efficiency and performance of vehicle technology.

“We must realise that controlling air pollution cannot rely solely on cleaner vehicle technology. A change in public mobility patterns is also required,” he said.