Sutiyoso wants busway launch to be perfect

Sutiyoso wants busway launch to be perfect

Damar Harsanto and Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Governor Sutiyoso has staked his reputation on the busway
project, and he let the busway drivers know on Monday that he
expected they would not let him down and do their part to make
the project a success.

"Do not disappoint me. Show me your capabilities and maintain
your image as good drivers," Sutiyoso told 126 busway drivers on
Monday at City Hall.

"Don't make any mistakes like hitting the bus shelter while
driving, because the reporters behind you will immediately take
pictures of the incident," he said, warning them to expect
intense media coverage.

Sutiyoso said the drivers would earn a "reasonable salary" for
their hard work, more than made by other bus drivers.

But one of the busway drivers said the promised Rp 2 million
(US$235) a month salary was less than what he earned driving his
previous route.

"If I don't get more money, I'd just prefer to return to my old
job," he said.

Four other drivers interviewed by The Jakarta Post said they
didn't know what their salaries would be.

Another driver even requested the media to ask Sutiyoso what
the drivers' would be paid.

The governor also warned the drivers to be careful while
passing critical points such as intersections along the corridor,
which will connect Blok M in South Jakarta and Kota in West
Jakarta.

Underlining the importance of the project "as the gate to the
macroscopic design of the city's transportation infrastructure",
Sutiyoso revealed his office would construct another 13 busway
corridors.

He said that everything was on schedule for next Thursday's
busway opening, with all the necessary preparations near
completion.

However, the Post observed on Monday that several busway
shelters were built some distance from where commuters normally
get off from the bus.

Commuters who get off at the Ratu Plaza bus shelter, for
instance, will have to walk about 100 meters -- plus the length
of the shelter's pedestrian bridge -- to the nearest traffic
intersection.

"Come to think of it, it will be quite a long walk if I decide
to get off at Ratu Plaza and then take a regular bus or a taxi to
continue my trip outside the corridor," said Suherman, 30, who
lives in Simprug, South Jakarta.

Similarly, busway passengers who get off at the busway shelter
near the Japanese Embassy will have to walk some distance to
reach the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle.