Jakarta is one of the most congested cities in Indonesia. In fact, according to TomTom Traffic Index Ranking 2022 data, Jakarta's congestion level ranks 29th out of 389 cities in 56 countries in the world.
This congestion problem cannot be separated from the issue of Jakarta's transportation integration. Therefore, the Jakarta Provincial government has worked hard to shift Jakarta from a vehicle-oriented to a transit-oriented city.
Through the integration of Jakarta's transportation modes, Jakartans are expected to switch from private vehicles to mass public transportation. Not only to overcome congestion, the integration of Jakarta transportation can make Jakarta a sustainable and healthy city for its citizens.
What is transportation integration?
According to the European Local Transport Information Service(ELTIS), transportation integration can be defined as a process that aims to make travel using different modes of transportation more convenient and efficient.
The implementation of transportation mode integration can facilitate the ease and convenience of travel using two or more different modes of transportation. Transportation integration also facilitates the use of different modes of transportation for different trips. Transportation integration is one indicator of improving the quality of mass transportation facilities in a city.
What does Jakarta's transportation integration look like?
Jakarta transportation integration, or integration between modes of transportation in Jakarta, is marked by the integration of TransJakarta, Jakarta MRT, Jakarta LRT, and Commuterline KRL. Jakarta transportation integration includes integration of lines, stops and stations, payment methods, and integration tariffs. However, the KRL tariff has not been integrated with the other modes of transportation above.
One example of transportation integration in Jakarta is the existence of TransJakarta buses from various corridors that have crossed the Jakarta MRT Station, both elevated and underground lines. This determines the ease and convenience of passengers in changing modes of transportation along the Jakarta MRT line. As a broader picture of Jakarta's transportation integration so far, here is the Jakarta Public Transportation Integration Map.
What is a transportation integration fare?
Since October 7, 2022, the integration of Jakarta transportation has also been officially accompanied by the integration tariffs of Transjakarta buses, Jakarta MRT, and Jakarta LRT. This Jakarta transportation integration tariff is regulated in Governor Decree (Kepgub) Number 733 of 2022 concerning the Amount of Mass Public Transportation Service Tariff Package.
This transportation integration fare is the fare that applies when passengers use more than one mode of public transportation MRT, LRT, and TransJakarta (BRT and Non-BRT), and Microtrans, in one trip. The maximum fare paid under this Jakarta transportation integration fare is Rp10,000 for a trip of 180 minutes or 3 hours.
Quoted from the Jakarta Smart City website, transportation integration tariffs are only valid when using the JakLingko transportation card and electronic cards of BCA Bank, BRI Bank, BNI Bank, DKI Bank, and Mandiri Bank. With a note, one card is used by one customer.
To enjoy the integrated transportation tariff, the electronic card must also be activated at the Balance Check Terminal (BCT) device at the bus stop or station, and connected to the JakLingko application.
So, what are the benefits of transportation integration for cities and their citizens?
Transportation integration in Jakarta has certainly brought good changes for Jakarta residents. The benefits of integration for the city and its citizens are none other than increased convenience and comfort in using mass public transportation which is also time efficient.
This transportation integration also has a significant effect on the health of Jakarta and its citizens. Just imagine, with more people taking advantage of Jakarta's transportation integration, the level of congestion and pollution will decrease. Jakarta becomes more livable for its citizens.
Not only that, Jakarta's relatively cheap transportation integration rates are also very beneficial for Jakarta residents financially. Families in Jakarta spend almost 30% of their income on transportation.
With better transportation integration, Jakarta can follow in the footsteps of Hong Kong, Singapore or Tokyo. In the Urban Mobility Readiness Index 2022, these three Asian cities are included in the list of cities with the best public transportation systems in the world.
Transportation integration in Jakarta still has a long way to go to reach that level. But, at least Jakarta is on the right track.
Therefore, let's support the government's efforts to make Jakarta better through integration between modes of transportation. Let's start by switching from private vehicles to mass public transportation for our daily commute.