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Finish, improve busway before starting MRT
Since elementary school, teachers often taught us that during exams it is better to solve the easier questions first before moving on to more difficult ones
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ince elementary school, teachers often taught us that during exams it is better to solve the easier questions first before moving on to more difficult ones. But it seems Jakarta was not taught by such teachers, because it is planning to construct a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system even though the Transjakarta busway is not finished. After five years of operation, the Transjakarta busway system continues to be rife with problems. Problems range from what may seem simple, yet are difficult-to-solve problems, like uncomfortable shelters unable to accommodate all queuing passengers at peak hours, to the time it takes to wait for a passenger to get on a bus being longer than the bus ride itself. And then the problems that seem impossible to resolve, such as preventing vehicles entering busway lanes or agreeing on a fair fee for busway operators.
These unsolved problems may reappear with the MRT, most probably along with a new set of problems. The huge investment required may disrupt or even halt the MRT construction. Remnants of monorail pillars still on display are a reminder this has happened before.
The huge investment may cause the MRT's fare to be pricey and not affordable for many - a single trip from Lebak Bulus to Dukuh Atas is expected to cost Rp 12,000 - hence negating the word "mass" in mass rapid transit. And Jakarta's sometimes intermittent electricity supply should be considered when operating the MRT's electric trains.
To be honest, I have a vested interest in why Jakarta should put the MRT plans on hold. I am among the thousands of busway passengers who, every day, must stand cheek to cheek waiting for buses. A live video feed of us doing a good impersonation of canned sardines during rush hours can be seen at transjakartabusway.com/haltecam.
I am concerned the MRT construction will cause Jakarta to further neglect the Transjakarta busway. The word "further" is emphasized since the busway seems already neglected. Infrastructure for corridors 9 and 10 is finished but already deteriorating, despite never having been used as buses are unavailable. The number of buses for existing corridors is still below what was planned. And let's not forget originally Jakarta planned 15 busway corridors.
A few years ago, the busway was heralded as the public transportation system that would ease Jakarta's traffic woes. But after only five years, that forgotten, Jakarta is already considering another grandiose project.
Hopefully, it is not too late for Jakarta to reconsider constructing the MRT without completing the busway. Despite its faults, Jakarta's busway does have its good points.
First, it's cheap! You can travel to the ends of Jakarta and back all day for just Rp 3,500 (37 US cents) providing you don't exit the shelters.
Waiting at Transjakarta shelters can be unpleasant at peak hours, but once inside the bus it's quite comfortable.
Although full during rush hours, the bus attendants make sure it's never too full. And it is more comfortable so long as you're not too lazy to move away from the doors (like some people do, to my puzzlement). And those who dread crossing Jakarta's streets need not fear anymore, for all busway shelters are equipped with skywalks for pedestrians to cross safely.
The Jakarta governor said the MRT construction would bring considerable change to the city, but did not offer details. I have a hunch the changes will bring back the traffic mayhem Jakarta experienced during the monorail and busway construction. And only a certain group will benefit from this: motorcycle ojek drivers, from the volume of people using their service during the five years of MRT construction.
- Nugroho Nurdikiawan
