Source: CCTV.com

08-23-2007 14:19

Jakarta residents are trying a new way to avoid the Indonesian capital's traffic jams - by travelling on water taxis operating in its river. But despite early optimism, this water transportation is beset by many problems.

These water taxis are Jakarta administration's latest answer to traffic chaos.

A short run just under two kilometers in the heart of the capital's commercial district costs 15-hundred rupiahs -- about 20 US cents -- for a one-way trip down the river.

At the moment the boats are only operational for a few hours on the weekends. But the city's transportation agency has high hopes.

"We launch these water taxis not only for means of transportation, but also to prevent flooding by asking people not to throw trash into the river and to clean the environment," says Nurrachman, Head of Jakarta Transport Agency.

The Ciliwung River snakes its way across a large part of Jakarta. It's heavily polluted with household garbage and industrial waste.

Jakarta also wants to turn the river into an eco-tourism site.

"The problem lies in the water. We have problems with the water level and trash in the river which we need to clean up. There is a lot to be done, but we have to start this project somewhere," says Nurrachman, Head of Jakarta Transport Agency.

These water taxis are expected to eventually connect a 40-kilometer route. It will stretch from the east canal to the west, linking a wide area of the Indonesian capital.

 

Editor:Chen Ge