Residents fear traffic-clogged streets

Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Hengki, 34, had no idea that the quiet street where his shop is situated, Jl. Kopi, West Jakarta, might soon become one of the busiest in the capital when the city administration launches its much-vaunted busway project on Jan. 15.

"I didn't know that this street would be an alternative route as part of the busway project. I only knew that there would be a busway lane at Kota station," he said.

Jl. Kopi, only five minutes from Kota train station, is one of over 80 streets in the city that the administration has decided to use as alternatives for motorists avoiding the busway and roads affected by the new three-in-one traffic policy.

To support its busway project, the administration has designed four alternative corridors linking Blok M in South Jakarta and Kota.

The project, which includes the extension of the three-in-one policy along the corridor from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., has garnered much criticism over its feasibility and effectiveness in reducing traffic congestion.

Governor Sutiyoso recently acknowledged that the project was not intended to ease traffic congestion but rather improve the city's transportation system.

Once the planned alternative corridors have come into operation, more streets will suffer from traffic congestion.

"It's going to be heavily congested if cars flock to this street. Does it have to be this street? It will destroy the peace here," said Hengki.

Wina, a resident of Jl. Tiang Bendera, also did not know about the plan to use Jl. Kopi as an alternative. She warned that the traffic there would be congested as the narrow street would have to accommodate many more vehicles than its capacity would allow.

"Sometimes it's lightly congested here, but it's a narrow street. I can guarantee it will be overwhelmingly congested when more and more drivers start using this street," said the 28-year- old woman.

The street, less than 150 meters long, is divided into two lanes; each can accommodate one line of cars. It crosses several alleys, including Jl. Tiang Bendera, where dwellings are located.

Street occupants, like many others on alternative streets, feel powerless to do anything about it if the administration sticks to its plan.

"Well, what can I do? I know that many people here won't be happy about it. I'm not. Who wants a peaceful street like this to become like Jl. Sudirman or Jl. Thamrin?" said Wina.

Both major thoroughfares mentioned above are notorious for traffic congestion during peak hours. They are also an integral part of the busway project corridor.

The city will have 56 buses to transport 20,000 of 60,000 commuters traveling along the corridor. It also plans to provide feeder services from 16 locations to help commuters reach Blok M.