Jakarta Monorails... This transport mode have become issues for decades. From its establishment on 2004, it has many ups and downs in public support. But the main reasons is only one: No investor sees the project feasible. Why ?
- Monorail plan is an advertising. Jakarta planned for buses (low mass capacity) and metros (high mass capacity). It needs something between, the medium mass capacity. But on its journey, The Monorail stated is not a simple elevated rail. It is a modern rail which enhance city aesthetic. This is an expensive both in investment and operational.
- The Planned route is not feasible. It is basically an office to office / office to mall hubs and most people cannot make it for commuting.
- Large economic gap. Based on Income per Capita, Jakarta may match those of world's Metropolises. However we have some extraordinary rich person here and many middle low income group. While from Income per capita parameter, monorail seems feasible, Majority simply cannot afford the monorail.
- Mass Transit is for the Poor Mindset. A popular mindset in developing country. Both people and the government see it that way. So the only way to make expensive investment and low fare met is by subsidy. Jakarta simply cannot afford the subsidy.
Solutions ? I've thinking of three alternatives. First Alternative : Cancel It Completely. Forget about "Sekarang, Jakarta Punya Monorail" (Now, Jakarta Has Monorail) advertisement. If it is unfeasible, it is. This way will end any unnecessary argument for next decades. Of course Jakarta Monorail must settle its problems with Adhi Karya in court and may involve the government. Second Alternative : Convert it to Elevated Bus Way. With road base mass transit, although it has lower capacity, the government can flexibly creates new routes connecting its borders with inner loop This way will increase the ridership, thus make it feasible. The drawback is that some area may need some re-design. Elevated Bus Way is also less aesthetic for city architecture. Third Alternative : Make Monorails a Mass Transit for Medium Up Income Group. You can impose a reasonable higher fare in exchange for reliability, safety, and convenience. Connect the terminal with executive shuttle buses (e.g. Dukuh Atas Terminal should be connected with Shuttle bus to Four Seasons/Hotels, Grand Indonesia/Mixed Use, Wisma Indocement/Offices, Da Vinci, Apartments) and taxis pool. If possible, the trip should be combined as packages. This way will attract the medium up income group and expatriate, then in time, reduce their reliability to private cars. Of course for the third alternative, another quick feasibility study should be conducted. Whatever alternatives taken, it is better to act than finding some parties to blame. Note: This articles also appear in my blog post
