Traffic Woes

Traffic Woes

A motorist saw a friend walking down a street in Bangkok, and
offered him a lift. "No thanks, I'm in a hurry," the pedestrian
replied.

In New York, the best way to solve the parking problem for the
new motorist is to buy a parked car.

Let us take solace that Jakarta is still far behind Bangkok
and New York in this respect. But unfortunately economic success
these days is also measured in terms of traffic jams.

Traffic congestion is really getting bad in the capital. We
cannot reach our destination on time nor counter the lengthy,
predictable delay. If we think that traffic in other alternative
routes will be smooth, we are sadly mistaken. The problem is
everywhere. As far as the time spent is concerned, traffic
doesn't differentiate between the rich and poor. Traffic is
certainly the greatest leveler of wealth. With the only
difference being degree, everyone's time is equally wasted in
traffic.

The hardest work is to do nothing -- that's what happens when
we get stuck in traffic. It's a problem though, but it's also an
opportunity. We must take advantage of every opportunity. Don't
we get additional two to three hours every day, held up in
traffic? Instead of criticizing or feeling dejected over traffic
jams, can we get some extra "mileage" out of the traffic chaos?
We should try and "get ahead" of others, if not in traffic, at
least in life.

Time is precious. Time is money. We all know it. There are a
lot of ideas one can think of, for utilizing the extra time at
our disposal. For a start, we can have breakfast in the car. We
may plan the day's agenda of work. We may get back to the joy of
reading. We may listen to music -- as long as it is not jarring
to the drivers' ears. We can do breathing exercises. We can try
to relax, may even go to sleep. The opportunities are really
endless.

But remember, for God's sake -- nay, for our sake -- we must
go to the toilet before getting into our cars. I have seen
drivers literally rushing off to the nearest toilet the moment
they reach their destination.

Time is what we want most but what we use worst.

D. CHANDRAMOULI

Jakarta