"We have removed the 3-in-1 traffic restriction policy. Hence, we continue to assess other policies. We will consider whether to implement the odd-even policy," Basuki stated.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Jakarta administration has officially removed the 3-in-1 traffic restriction policy implemented on main streets, such as Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Jl. Sudirman, and Jl. Gatot Subroto.

Henceforth, Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has planned to hold a Focus Group Discussion to deliberate on other policies as part of the efforts to reduce traffic congestion.

"We have removed the 3-in-1 traffic restriction policy. Hence, we continue to assess other policies. We will consider whether to implement the odd-even policy," Basuki stated here on Thursday.

The even-odd license plate number regulation should be evaluated before the Jakarta administration applies the electronic road pricing (ERP) mechanism.

During the trial removal of the 3-in-1 traffic restriction policy, congestion significantly reduced on the other roads, he noted.

This observation was also taken into account while deciding to abolish the policy.

The governor remarked that the government will meet the aspirations of the people with regard to the regulation to ease traffic in the capital.

"We still observe the odd-even policy. We will accommodate the aspirations of the people," the governor stated.

Earlier, the Jakarta Police had supported the proposal to scrap the citys current 3-in-1 road traffic policy on a trial basis as it restricted cars carrying less than three passengers from passing through the capitals main roads.

"Yes, we support the trial to write-off the 3-in-1 policy, which will be put in place tomorrow (Tuesday)," Head of Sub Development and Law Enforcement Traffic Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya Assistant Commissioner of Police Budiyanto remarked when contacted in Jakarta on Monday.

The Jakarta provincial government had conducted the trial with effect from Tuesday, April 5, and it lasted for the rest of the week.

Budiyanto said the 3-in-1 policy had come into effect in 2003 to prevent traffic congestion on the citys protocol corridor from Sisingamaraja Road, South Jakarta, to the National Monument (Monas) area, located in the city center.

Though it was aimed at reducing traffic congestion, the policy also prompted a new social reality in the surrounding community as 3-in-1 jockeys came into existence, with people ready to take a car ride on a payment basis to make one eligible to travel on the capitals main road.

However, the matter is now being addressed through a joint cooperation with the Civil Service Police Unit officers based on the local regulations (Perda).

Budiyanto hoped the trial results will be evaluated objectively to determine whether the 3-in-1 restriction policy should be continued or abolished.

Scrapping the policy is not an issue, but the province should come up with other alternatives, such as the ERP mechanism.

Budiyanto admitted that the policy was able to reduce the vehicle density empirically but had social implications.

The ERP mechanism would require preparations in the form of trained human resources, facilities, and infrastructure devices to run the system, as well as offer legal protection.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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