New toll gates worsen traffic congestion

New toll gates worsen traffic congestion

The newly opened toll gates at Jl. RC Veteran, Bintaro, South
Jakarta have apparently created new problems, instead of helping
to ease traffic flow. Motorists complain about worsening traffic
congestion in the area.

The facts show that cooperation between toll road operator PT
Jasa Marga and the City Transportation Agency has been
nonexistent.

It seems that the agency has failed to anticipate the
situation that would exist after the new toll opening.

The absence of traffic signs prohibiting drivers from parking
along Jl. RC Veteran Raya could be cited as an example of the
transportation agency's ignorance of traffic flow after the new
toll gates were opened.

Roadside vendors also still occupy the margins of Jl. RC
Veteran from afternoon until night.

The number of vehicles entering the area has increased due to
the opening of the toll gates, making the already-crowded roads
more congested. Motorists passing through traffic light-
controlled intersectons also worsens the situation.

We are of the opinion that Jasa Marga has done its job well;
unfortunately the transportation agency has failed to support
Jasa Marga to produce smooth and flowing traffic.

Despite the worsening traffic, the agency has not made any
effort to help motorists by, for example, installing the
necessary traffic signs.

The lack of cooperation between state institutions has become
commonplace in this country. The result is that efforts to
resolve an existing problem have created a new one, instead.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta