Toll roads dilemma

Toll roads dilemma

An appropriate moment has been chosen to announce the latest
increase in toll road fees. While the public is being kept
confused by the PDI congress affair and people are excited over
the European Cup soccer tournament, the government suddenly came
with the announcement of urban toll road fee increases in
Jakarta. This timing, whether or not intentionally chosen, has
indeed deflected much of the public's attention. During the
middle of May, when a proposal for such a fee increase was made
by PT Citra Marga Nusaphala which manages the urban toll roads,
many objections were made by the public.

The government obviously has its reasons for approving the
increase. The public, on the other hand, also have reasons for
their objections. The most important reason is that all users
must pay the same fee even though not everyone uses the entire
stretch. Another objection concerns road convenience, which is
often lacking. During peak hours the toll roads are just as
congested as the ordinary roads.

However, it's no use complaining. Experience shows that once
the decision to increase toll road fees has been made, changing
it is difficult. Now all the public can do is hope that the
government will be so kind as to improve conditions on Jakarta's
roads, on which practically not a single section is left free
from jams. Another wish is that the investors refrain from
rushing to build more toll roads because it could lead to a
further increase in the fees for roads that already exist.

-- Republika, Jakarta