Tangerang, Kartunet - The DKI Jakarta provincial government continues to improve the city to be more inclusive for everyone, including citizens with disabilities. One breakthrough in the transportation sector is the introduction of TransJakarta Care vehicles. This service, initiated by PT Transportasi Jakarta, was inaugurated by DKI Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama on Wednesday (19/10/16) at City Hall. While there was previously a policy of free TransJakarta bus rides, the TransJakarta Care service provides a temporary solution as many busway stops are not yet fully accessible for people with disabilities. In the initial phase, only 5 units were launched. These special vehicles are staffed by 1 driver and 1 officer who have been specially trained to assist people with disabilities. In the near future, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and PT Transportasi Jakarta aim to operate 40 units. Initially, TransJakarta Cares will serve two zones: Central Jakarta and West Jakarta. Soon, the service will cover all of Jakarta. It operates daily from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM WIB. Disabled customers can book a TransJakarta Care vehicle by contacting the call center at 1500102 one day in advance. Pick-up will be conducted at the customer's origin location (home, etc.) to be transported to the nearest disability-friendly bus stop. Subsequently, customers can continue their journey by bus, and upon reaching the destination bus stop, they will be transported again by another Trans Care vehicle to their final destination. Two months after its launch, many people with disabilities have already used this service. Based on the experience of visually impaired friends who have used Trans Care, they are quite satisfied with the service. Inside the vehicle, there are usually at least 2 officers: one driver and another ready to assist people with disabilities with mobility in and out of the car. Each time a customer boards the car or reaches their destination, they will be photographed for reporting to the operator. Another plus is that Trans Care vehicles always arrive on time, so there's no need to worry about being late if you want to go to the office. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and PT Transportasi have projected that approximately 75 bus stops can be converted into disability-friendly stops. As of now, there are 10 bus stops with disability-friendly pedestrian bridges (JPO) for TransJakarta Cares, including: 10 Disability-Friendly Bus Stops
- Corridor 1 (Monas)
- Corridor 2 (Gambir, City Hall)
- Corridor 3 (Dispenda, Kalideres)
- Corridor 4 (Pemuda Rawamangun)
- Corridor 5 (Ancol)
- Corridor 6 (Ragunan)
- Corridor 8 (Permata Hijau)
- Corridor 9 (Pinang Ranti)
Once again, appreciation for DKI Jakarta and the Trans Care service, which has already benefited people with disabilities. What about you, have you used this service? Please leave a comment if you'd like to share your experience or feedback. (DPM)