Bus Way

Governor Sutiyoso has launched his mass rapid transportation plan. This includes monorail, subway, water transportation, and Bus way. Among the public transportation plan, Bus way has been put into effect. The air conditioned bus fleet with their special roads have been operated since last year. Now, more routes are being constructed to cover the five mayoralty. In fact, the existence of Bus way makes pros and cons.


Some people consider Bus way can solve a traffic problem faced by the metropolitan city. Everyday millions of people commute from their houses to their respective work places. This badly needs adequate public transportation. If fifty persons go to their offices by cars, they need fifty cars roaming on the street. This number of cars can be replaced by only one Bus way. Consequently, with reduced vehicles the streets are less congested. Therefore, it can decline traffic jams. Apart from reducing traffic jams, Bus way easiest Jakarta inhabitants to go to their workplace or other destination. For this reason more access on Bus way is being accomplished. Other Bus way roads have been constructed, such as, Kota-Kalideres and Kota-Pulogadung. This definitely make easier for people who go for recreation to the zoo.


Besides reducing traffic jam and comforting passengers, Bus way can minimize air pollution. As stated, Bus way can replace other vehicles in a great number. It apparently declines the danger of pollution. Less vehicles means less carbon monoxide coming out from the exhausted fumes. As a result, the residents of Jakarta are less threatened with sickness caused by air pollution. And if Bus way administration can manage the public transport well, Bus way can create a new icon of Jakarta.


Those who resist the existence of Bus way argue that instead of solving problem, Bus way create a new problem. Bus way even makes traffic worse. The Bus way line makes the roads narrower. Narrow roads cause passing vehicles to get stuck especially during rush hours. Furthermore, Bus way adds up corruption that has become a vicious circle in this country. As reported in a newspaper the purchase of Bus way fleet is under corruption suspect. Billions of rupiah are believed to have been put into the city administrator’s pocket. In terms of the expense, Bus way fare is also much expensive than an ordinary bus. It costs Rp 3.500,. for one ride, while the common bus only costs Rp 2.000,. With the difference in bus fare, it is likely that passengers prefer to ride ordinary buses.


Apparently, Bus way still creates different outlooks among the residents of Jakarta. In spite of all the critics, the governor of Jakarta firmly continues to extend its routes.