As known, the policy of meter parking is already implemented on Jalan Agus Salim (Sabang), Central Jakarta. However, the use of coins to pay the parking meter machine is assessed not efficient. Therefore, Jakarta Provincial Government is going to enhance the system by changing coins to electronic money.

Meter parking is already good. But, we want to use electronic money

“Meter parking is already good. But, we want to use electronic money. This is because based on the evaluation, there are still many (unruly individuals) taking charges because they reasoned the meter parking is only until 10 PM. So starting that time, it (the area) belongs to the ‘boss’ again,” stated Jakarta Vice Governor Basuki T Purnama, Monday (9/29).

According to Basuki, the coins provided by Jakarta Transportation Department run out fast. As a result, the motorists who want to park their vehicles on Jalan Sabang had to use cash which not inserted to the parking meter machine, or hand it directly to parking attendants. Whereas, this meter parking policy is implemented by Jakarta Provincial Government to avoid cash payment.

“This is only trial. So, let it be for now while we familiarized it to the public. But next month, the (payment) system must use electronic money, not coins anymore,” he asserted.

Moreover, Basuki stressed that Jakarta Provincial Government will not reduce the parking tariff which complained by some people. In fact, there is a chance the tariff be increased in order to resolve traffic congestion on Jalan Sabang.

“The intention is indeed expensive, so people won’t park there. The tariff even maybe increased, but depends on the situation,” he said.

For information, since 11 parking meter machines installed and meter parking policy officially implemented on Jalan Sabang, Friday (9/26), the parking tariff there becomes Rp 5,000 per hour per car and Rp 2,000 per hour per motorcycle. This policy is implemented as an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the capital city which 40 percent of it is caused by illegal parking.