Serving City Residents

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Residents queue to board the Ratangan Moda Raya Terpadu (MRT) train at the Bundaran HI MRT Station, Jakarta, Sunday (3/24/2019).

After a long debate regarding development on the Earth's surface or underground, the city of Paris at last opened a commuter rail network in July 1900.

The Paris Metro network was then built massively, criss-crossing underground. Every point in Paris is less than 500 meters from a station. Paris residents are really pampered with public transportation services.

What about the service for residents of Jakarta and its surroundings? Not better. The results of the reportage from Kompas data journalism related to mass public transportation on Thursday and Friday (3-4/2/2022) found interesting facts. Out of the 20.5 million residents of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek), up to 8.8 million residents turn out not to be served by mass public transportation.

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On the map on Page 2 of Kompas, Thursday (3/2), a number of areas are seen to be served by 1-4 choices of mass transportation modes. On the other hand, there are many areas that are not completely served. The residents have to travel kilometers to reach a bus stop or station. In fact, the presence of reliable mass transportation is very important for the city residents. Reliable mass transportation guarantees citizen mobility at affordable prices and competitive travel times compared to private vehicles.

When in the future there is competition between cities (not just competition between nations), reliable public transportation should absolutely be there. Efficiency by public transportation makes not only the city efficient, but also the citizens of the city.

Unfortunately, the toll road infrastructure in Jabodetabek has recently begun to further expand. The Jakarta 2 outer ring toll road network is widely spreading. In fact, in theory, toll road expansion encourages more vehicle ownership, which in turn triggers congestion.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

The Integrated Moda Raya train carriage or MRT at the Lebak Bulus MRT Depot, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/1/2019).

The Covid-19 pandemic has also "challenged" public transportation. In the last two years, passenger volume has fallen. Public transportation operators are also experiencing financial difficulties, thereby slowing the expansion of the public transportation network.

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Jabodetabek Must Have the Courage to Give Subsidies

The government's role is important in building public transportation. The government cannot rely solely on the private sector. Larger subsidies must be disbursed.

Without this, it is impossible to maintain or increase the number of commuters using public transportation.

Mass public transportation services from time to time must also be evaluated. Not only to maintain, but also to improve service standards. Without this, it is impossible to maintain or increase the number of commuters using public transportation.

The most effective way for city leaders to evaluate public transportation services is of course to use the facilities themselves. In many cities of the world, a prime minister, actors, or businessmen even mingle in a mode of public transportation to work.

The presence of public transportation is also the face of a city. Whether a city is modern or not can usually be judged from the public transportation that serves its citizens. Don't we want our cities to be more modern, in line with other world cities?

(This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo)