As the country’s first and only subway system is about to begin operations, operator PT MRT Jakarta is developing designated pick-up and drop-off points for ojek (motorcycle taxis) to prevent them from lining up in front of stations and causing gridlock.

The company has set its eyes on an empty plot of land several meters away from the Fatmawati MRT Station.

“The space will be developed by MRT Jakarta, but of course we’ll also have to work with the online ojek operators,” MRT Jakarta construction director Silvia Halim said on Thursday, adding that the company was still looking for other possible parking spaces near other stations.

Scores of app-based ojek drivers can be seen waiting on the side of the road near railway stations or Transjakarta bus stops across the city, worsening traffic congestion.

MRT Jakarta director William Sabandar said the plan was part of the company’s attempts to integrate with as many transportation modes as possible.

From the 13 stations situated along the 15.7-kilometer MRT route connecting Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta and the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta, five will be directly integrated with Transjakarta bus stops.

They are Lebak Bulus, Blok M, Sisingamangaraja, Fatmawati and Hotel Indonesia.

“The MRT station at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle is directly connected to the Transjakarta bus stop. We’ll build stairs to connect our underground station with the bus shelter on the ground,” William said.

In Sisingamangaraja, William added, the MRT’s elevated station will be connected with a sky walk to a Transjakarta bus stop crossing situated above the station.

Moreover, integration between the MRT and Transjakarta in Blok M will be realized by making a 200-meter corridor to ensure safety and comfort for passengers walking from and to the terminal or bus stop.

Along with the pick-up and drop-off points, MRT Jakarta will also develop a transit oriented development (TOD) near Dukuh Atas Station in Central Jakarta, with plans for the area 500 meters around the station to be cleared from traffic.

“It will be a no-parking and walking only zone. We’re currently waiting for Governor [Anies Baswedan] to issue a regulation on city planning guidance,” William said.

On the designated clear area, the company will develop a public green space as well as an apartment building

However, William did not elaborate on the details as the company and the city administration have yet to further deliberate the plan.

As of November, MRT Jakarta has completed 97.52 percent of the ambitious project before its official operation is scheduled to start in March 2019.

William is upbeat that the rail-based transportation service is on track and will be running according to plan.

The company has received 12 out of the 16 trains it plans to run, each comprising six cars.

The other trains are expected to arrive in Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta on Dec. 1.

The trains were purchased from Japanese train manufacturer Nippon Sharyo Ltd.

“We’ll test them soon after they arrive at the depot [in Lebak Bulus], so that in March, all cars are ready to operate,” Silvia said.

The company is currently gearing up for the second phase of construction.

It will stretch from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Kota in West Jakarta.

The route was initially going to reach further north and stop at Kampung Bandan in North Jakarta.

Popular

Bali to clamp down on illegal foreign-owned businesses

West Java starts curfew for students, cuts school days

On World Environment Day, you can help end plastic pollution