TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Legislative Council Chairman Mohamad Sanusi protested against Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s idea to allow private cars on Transjakarta bus lanes.
“The idea is not in accordance with the principal of public transportation service improvement,” Sanusi told Tempo on Sunday, February 01, 2015.
Ahok had pitched an idea that private cars might be allowed to pass Transjakarta bus lanes during in an event of heavy traffic congestion, provided that they are willing to pay Rp50,000 (US$4). Ahok even planned to increase the tariff gradually if the idea was to be set in motion.
According to Sanusi, Ahok’s plan would trigger a new problem since he predicted that Jakarta residents would not mind to pay the tariff.
“The policy would have a negative impact on the bus punctuality, and the shelters could be crowded by passengers,” he added.
In addition, Sanusi claimed that the idea would be difficult to realize since the road pricing system is governed by a ministry. Sanusi added that the policy must be legalized by at least a regional regulation, instead of a gubernatorial regulation.
RAYMUNDUS RIKANG