YOGYAKARTA- Transportation issues in Yogyakarta up to now have not been over for discussion. There is still some homework to be done, such as city bus, Trans Jogja, problems or parking lot. However, Yogyakarta Provincial Government's commitment to organize and manage transportation issues is seen as not maximal.
This emerged in the Workshop on Urban Transportation, Promoting Pro-Poor and Inclusive Urban Infrastructure Development in Asia (CDIA), cooperation of Cities Development Initiative for Asia and UGM Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies, which was held at the Phoenix Hotel on Tuesday (6/9).
According to Joris van Etten of CDIA, fund for urban transport structuring project in Yogyakarta is ready. Unfortunately, the Provincial Government of Yogyakarta seems slow in addressing the transportation problems. "The budget is actually available, but it needs serious commitment from the provincial government along with municipal government of Yogyakarta," Joris said in the workshop.
In line with Joris, CDIA Project Deputy Team Leader, Ir. Heru Sutomo, M.Sc., Ph.D., said that the study of transportation problems in Yogyakarta is already quite a lot, but cannot immediately change the existing transportation condition. Heru exemplifies the problem of Trans Jogja buses that have not been more provided, parking has not been settled, and the condition of the city buses that still calls for concern. "One recommendation is the existing 350 city buses that will be allocated for Trans Jogja. Therefore, in the future it is no longer a study that is done but a project which is really implemented," said the lecturer of Transportation System and Engineering Department, Master Program of Faculty of Engineering UGM.
He explained that one of the main priorities in managing transportation problems in Yogyakarta is Trans Jogja buses. Later, if the arrangement is going well, Trans Jogja buses will have their own route different from the current route that still shares with other vehicles. Not only that, another policy that will follow is to re-construct some of the bus stations, such as Jombor, Prambanan, Ngabean to Niten Market of Bantul. "In this workshop, analysis and feasibility will possibly emerge about what to implement immediately," he added.
The three day workshop, 6-8 September 2011, was attended by not only experts but also representatives of NGOs, funding agencies, Transportation Board, and Regional Development and Planning Boards from several cities, including Solo and Palembang.