Transjakarta, Zero Accidents

The repetition of Transjakarta bus accidents shows that Transjakarta's safety standards are not yet ideal. Driver standardization is one of the solutions.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

A number of Transjakarta buses prepare to carry passengers at the Tanah Abang Integrated Station Area, Jakarta, Tuesday (8/11/2022).

The issue of Transjakarta safety has been highlighted by the acting Governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, in line with the many Transjakarta accidents and the lack of optimal standardization of drivers. In January-September 2022 there were 827 accidents, and during 2021 there were 335 accidents involving Transjakarta. On Monday (7/11/2022), the driver of Corridor VI for the Tosari-Pulo Gadung route broke through the train barrier (Kompas, 9/11/2022).

With regard to the series of the Transjakarta accidents, this is not the first time it has happened. In the early days of Transjakarta's operation in 2004, a number of accidents occurred, partly due to the low discipline of motorized-vehicle users, who entered the Transjakarta route and caused accidents.

However, gradually, traffic accidents involving Transjakarta did not completely disappear. The accidents that took place later, apart from being caused by external factors, meaning non-Transjakarta vehicles, and partly because of the Transjakarta buses themselves. What happened last Monday was an accident caused by an unprofessional driver.

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Solutions related to accident prevention involving Transjakarta, therefore, must come from two sources, namely both external and internal Transjakarta. From external causes, one that can be taken is none other than the sterilization of the Transjakarta route.

From observations so far, many sides of the Transjakarta route are not yet sterile. Unfortunately, law enforcement against violators has not been optimal. Sometimes there are police and Satpol PP (public order officers) who stand guard and then impose sanctions on violators, but quite often there are no officers.

It is not surprising that cars and motorbikes can swing on the track and are prone to causing accidents. Even if they do not cause an accident, the presence of non-Transjakarta motorized vehicles on the special lane will result in a decrease in the quality of Transjakarta, because it is prone to causing congestion, so that it can delay arrival hours at the bus stop. Law enforcement is absolutely needed.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS WISNU WARDHANA DANY

The acting Governor of Jakarta, Budi Hartono.

The internal solution of Transjakarta in this case is the fulfillment of Transjakarta quality, in terms of infrastructure, fleet quality and service quality, including the drivers. According to data, from about 7,000 drivers, only 2,000 have attended training according to the standard.

Heru Budi's statement that requires a total improvement in the safety aspects of Transjakarta deserves appreciation. In line with that, the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has recommended improvements in safety aspects to Transjakarta, including by establishing a safety division.

With an age approaching 20 years, it is time for Transjakarta to target zero accidents and consistently realize that target. Jakarta needs a portrait of quality public transportation that the public can have confidence in on a daily basis.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.