"At the moment, there are a number of infrastructure constructions in Jakarta, which clearly add to traffic congestion. We have to make sure that the Transjakarta lane is kept sterile," Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama said at the City Hall in Central Jakarta on Monday.
The governor, better known as Ahok, explained that private vehicles should refrain from using the Transjakarta lane to ensure its time table and travel time is not disturbed.
"If the lane is sterile, the travel time will not be interrupted. Passengers will find more comfort and confidence in using public transportation if they can reach their destination in time," Ahok added.
The former Belitung Regent further stressed that sterilizing Transjakarta lane will not mean it cannot be used as an emergency evacuation lane.
"Evacuation lane means one that can be used for other vehicles, apart from the Transjakarta buses, such as ambulances, fire department trucks and ministers' cars with official plates. Other than that, no other vehicles should go through the lane," he reiterated.
He also noted that Jakartas traffic will only get worse if the government does not continue to improve the citys infrastructure, especially since the number of vehicles in the capital city continues to grow significantly.
Every day, 300 to 400 new cars are added to Jakartas traffic, while 800 motorcycles are also added, he revealed.
"Without adequate infrastructure, the congestion will only get worse. So, it is better that take remedial steps now," Ahok affirmed.
A number of infrastructure projects are currently being constructed in Jakarta, including 12 fly-overs and underpasses, a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, the Transjakarta elevated lane and Semanggi interchanges.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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