TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Some of Transjakarta bus passengers enthusiastic to change transportation mean to Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train which would be publicly operated in March 2019.

“I’d prefer to use MRT, rather than Transjakarta because it is faster,” said Irfan, one of Transjakarta users when met in Bundaran Senayan Bus Stop, on Monday, November 12.

The same sentiment also expressed by Alin. She could not wait any longer to try MRT train considering the route was more sterile, and so it would operate faster and have definite waiting time. “The trip will be highly more efficient with MRT,” she said.

Transjakarta spokesman Wibowo had previously commented on the idea to remove Corridor 1 serving Blok M-Kota. He released a study result that 90 percent of surveyed passengers rejected the dismissal of the bus route.

Wibowo explained the Corridor 1 daily served 90,000 passengers. Thus, the route's removal would encourage the public to change transportation means to online ojek (motorcycle taxi) or taxi which likely increase the traffic congestion.

“So, it requires thorough consideration to close the [Transjakarta] Corridor 1,” said Wibowo in a phone call with Tempo, Thursday, Oct 25.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said he had no plan to remove the Corridor 1 of Transjakarta. The route removal, he opined, was contrary to his plan to provide affordable public transportation that accommodates more than 90 percent of the city’s area and Jakartan people.

Anies further demanded all operators of transportation means to focus on its own mode. According to Anies, there was no superior transportation mean in the capital.

MIQDARULLAH BURHAN | ZW