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