Ever since the 3-in-1 carpooling rule was repealed last month, drivers in Jakarta have been complaining that traffic along the capital’s main thoroughfares has become even more unbearable during rush hour. With the planned electronic road pricing (ERP) system at least a year away from completion, many were wondering if the government would implement some sort of stop-gap solution to keep the maddening macet in check.
Well it looks like officials have finally decided to give the much discussed odd-even rule — which would only allow cars to use major roads during rush hours on alternating weekdays depending on the last number on their license plate — a test run.
Yesterday, the Jakarta Department of Transportation confirmed that they would begin testing the odd-even system on July 20, after the end of the Lebaran holiday, and run until August 20.
Officials are still discussing how exactly the new odd-even scheme will be implemented, but Transport Department Head Andri Yansyah already shared some details with the media.
The odd-even will be in effect from 7am to 10am and from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. It will be enforced along Jalan Thamrin, Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Gatot Subroto and also Jalan Rasuna Said (the last of which was not previously covered by the 3-in-1).
Cars with odd-numbered plates will be allowed to use those roads during rush hours on odd calendar dates and vica-versa.
Andri said the rule would also apply to motorcycles as well as vehicles with non-Jakarta license plates.
Transportation officials admit that the main difficulty of implementing the odd-even will be enforcement and so they are planning to set up numerous checkpoints along the affected roads to check license plates and that violators will be fined up to Rp 500,000.
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