Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has suggested that the Bali administration consider a water taxi service to alleviate traffic congestion, but experts say the idea is not feasible.
ourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has suggested that the Bali administration consider a water taxi service to alleviate traffic congestion, but experts say the idea is infeasible.
The proposal comes after tourists experienced severe congestion over the Christmas and New Year holidays, causing some of them to miss their flights.
The minister said the water taxi would connect a number of tourist districts in Badung regency, such as Canggu, North Kuta, Kuta, Jimbaran and South Kuta.
“We suggested water-based transportation, so that the [popular tourist spots of] Canggu, Jimbaran and Kuta can be connected through water taxis,” Sandiaga said on Thursday, as reported by Kumparan.
University of Indonesia transportation analyst Sutanto Soehodho argued that numerous navigable rivers would need to be available to support a water taxi service.
“Water-based taxis are feasible in several countries, including Switzerland, due to navigable rivers. What's most important is that rivers not dry up during the dry season, which I don't see in Bali,” Sutanto said.
“When I went to Bali, including in the areas of Denpasar and Seminyak, I didn’t see enough navigable rivers for a water-based [taxi service],” he added.
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