Jakarta’s Karet Train Station Faces Closure amid Safety concerns
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Jakarta,Indonesia – Plans to close Karet Railway Station in Jakarta have ignited a heated debate among commuters and officials. The proposed closure, driven by safety concerns and traffic congestion, has prompted a public outcry and a closer look at the city’s transportation infrastructure.
KAI Commuter, the railway operator, cites safety as the primary reason for the potential closure.joni Martinus, the VP of Corporate Secretary, explained, ”The safety factor is the main consideration (closing the Karet Station) because with a series of 12 KRL carriages there is no pre-emption at the crossing (the KRL series will close the crossing).” The station’s proximity to a level crossing contributes to significant traffic jams, further exacerbating the safety risks.
The sheer volume of commuters adds to the problem.Nearly 2,000 passengers use Karet Station hourly, with a 10-minute wait time for departures. Martinus noted that this requires a waiting room capacity of 330 people, while the station’s current hall only accommodates about 150, creating a dangerous overcrowding situation. He added, ”Not to mention that access to the Karet Station entrance is vulnerable to triggering traffic jams as it is indeed near a level crossing.”
The proposed solution involves integrating Karet Station’s operations with the nearby BNI City Station, located just 350 meters away. This consolidation, according to KAI Commuter, would provide passengers with improved facilities, enhanced safety measures, and better integration with other transportation modes. BNI City Station, situated in the Dukuh Atas area, offers a more spacious habitat and better connectivity.
KAI Commuter is collaborating with PT KAI (Persero) and the Directorate General of railways to finalize the integration plan. Martinus highlighted the disparity in passenger capacity, stating, “Commuter Line users will be better served at BNI City Station, which so far has only served an average of 2,408 people or 100 users per hour every day. Simultaneously occurring, in terms of maximum capacity, BNI City station can accommodate 2,000 passengers every hour.”
commuter Concerns and Resistance
However, the plan isn’t without its detractors. Many commuters, like Hamidah, a 23-year-old resident, express concerns about the increased walking distance to their workplaces. Hamidah voiced her opposition,stating,”In my opinion,I don’t agree,yes,he said he wanted to go to BNI City,whereas I work near Thamrin,so such as at BNI City you have to walk a long way,you know.”
The debate over Karet Station’s future highlights the challenges of balancing safety improvements with the needs of a large and growing commuter population. The situation mirrors similar debates in U.S. cities grappling with aging infrastructure and increasing transit demands. The outcome of this situation in Jakarta will likely influence future transit planning decisions in other rapidly developing urban centers worldwide.
Watch the video below for more insights into public transportation preferences in Indonesia:
Jakarta’s Karet Train Station Faces Closure: A Conversation on Safety and Commuter Concerns
jakarta’s Karet Railway Station, a vital hub for thousands of commuters, faces impending closure due to pressing safety concerns and persistent traffic congestion.This move has ignited a passionate debate, pitting the needs of a growing population against the imperative for safe and efficient public transport.
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com, speaks wiht transportation expert Dr. Adi wicaksana about the proposed closure and its implications for Jakarta’s commuters.
The Safety Imperative
Senior Editor: Dr. Wicaksana, KAI Commuter cites safety as the paramount concern behind the Karet Station closure. Could you elaborate on the specific risks involved?
Dr. Adi Wicaksana: The Karet Station’s proximity to a busy level crossing poses a significant safety hazard.With frequent 12-carriage KRL trains passing through, the crossing is often blocked, causing severe traffic bottlenecks and increasing the risk of accidents. This situation is exacerbated by the station’s severe overcrowding, with passenger numbers routinely exceeding the station’s capacity.
Senior Editor: So, it’s essentially a confluence of factors – the station’s location, the volume of trains and commuters, and insufficient space – creating a perfect storm of safety concerns.
Dr. Adi Wicaksana: Precisely. KAI Commuter is right to highlight these dangers.
Consolidation and Concerns
Senior Editor: The proposed solution involves merging Karet Station operations with the nearby BNI City Station. What are your thoughts on this consolidation plan?
Dr. Adi Wicaksana: On paper, it sounds logical.BNI City Station has a larger capacity and better connectivity to other transportation modes.
However, there are concerns. The increased walking distance for commuters who work close to Karet Station is a legitimate worry. This could be particularly burdensome for individuals with disabilities or those carrying heavy loads.
Senior Editor: Critics also point out that simply shifting the problem to another station doesn’t truly address the root causes – traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure.
Dr. Adi Wicaksana: Thay have a point. the closure of Karet Station must be part of a broader strategy to improve jakarta’s transportation network. This includes investing in grade separation at level crossings, expanding capacity on existing lines, and exploring new modes of transport.
Finding a Balance
Senior editor: Dr.Wicaksana,how can we ensure
that the needs of commuters are met while prioritizing safety and efficiency?
Dr.Adi wicaksana: It’s about finding a balance. The government needs to engage in open and honest dialog with commuters, addressing thier concerns and exploring choice solutions.investing in public transport infrastructure is crucial, but it also needs to be done in a way that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
