Commuters have told The Jakarta Post that they have adjusted themselves to the new traffic rule, and will find various ways to reach their workplaces.

Jevelyn Arnanta, 22, a resident of Sunter in North Jakarta, said she was ready for the policy. She drives an even plate number car to her office on Jl Jend Sudirman in Central Jakarta, which is among the areas under the policy coverage.

Jevelyn said the policy had benefited her during the trial run.

“For me the policy was quite helpful rather than the previous three-in-one policy, which was so annoying with the ‘jokis’,” she said, referring to the previous practice where some people offered a service of posing as passengers.

“On days for the odd plate number, I can come earlier to the office,” Jevelyn said.

In her office, some friends also arranged a carpool to travel to and from the office during the trial run of the policy, Jevelyn added.

The Jakarta authorities have claimed that during the trial run, the policy successfully eased traffic congestion by 20 percent.

However, Febriandri Sinaga, 26, a resident of Pisangan in East Jakarta, doubts the claim.

Febriandi said the trial failed to ease traffic congestion, adding that he needed to find longer alternative routes to meet his clients to avoid the odd-even traffic policy around the Sudirman and Senayan areas.

He plans to use transportation services provided by ride-hailing applications rather than drive his own car.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) chairman Danang Parikesit suggested that motorists manage their time better during the policy implementation because there will be an increase in traffic congestion on the alternative routes. He predicted that the traffic congestion on alternative routes would rise by 30 to 50 percent because of the policy. (dmr)

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