Restrictions on Motorcycles in Jakarta

The Jakarta city administration is studying a plan to restrict the entry of motorcycles in certain areas during peak hours. As most of us know, the Jakarta traffic congestion is getting worse every year. The growth rate of motorcycles is about 900 a day. So based on this figure, the growth rate for motorcycles is more than 300,000 a year. And according to the city administration, the growth rate for new cars is 89,317 for the first half of this year. That works out to approximately 178,634 new cars a year; provided there is no significant jump in figures.

The Jakarta administration is also considering the use of the Electronic Road Pricing System ( ERP) that is now being used in Singapore. Under ERP system, motorists have to pay for the use of certain roads in certain hours. The Governor of Jakarta also mentioned that there will be improvement made to the public transportation system and plans for the Mass Rapid Transit system ( MRT ) to be implemented.

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In my view, the Jakarta city administration should focus its attention to plan and implement a good public transportation. They should start off with a efficient bus system that is clean, comfortable and punctual. If I am able to get a comfortable ride on the bus everyday to work or for leisure, then it make economic sense for me to give up my car and opt for public buses. And if the MRT can be built and implemented quickly, I am sure more people would love to use the MRT and buses as their means of transportation. Taxes that are collected from the ERP system should be use to improve the infrastructure of the public transport system. Take a look at the traffic lights, the roads and the pavements in the Jakarta and you see that it is in bad shape and in urgent need of upgrading and maintenance.

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The restrictions of motorcycles on the roads in Jakarta will not solve the current congestion woes. In fact it is unfair to just restrict motorcycles and ignoring other vehicles. All types of vehicles can contribute to congestion. The Jakarta city administration should resolve the congestion problems with a broader approach.