BPJT Opens Six Functional Toll Roads During Eid Homecoming 2024

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Member of the Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT), Tulus Abadi explained, his party will open functional toll roads that have not been operated so far. There are about 6 functional toll roads that will be opened, especially in Java.

"There are 6 functional sections including in Aceh, Sumatra. Especially in Java, what we have opened is Solo-Jogja to YIA. Last year it was opened 23 km. This year it was added, and longer. It was opened from 6 am to 5 pm. After that it was closed, "explained Tulus in the dialogue of the Merdeka Barat 9 Forum (FMB9) with the theme 193.6 Million Homecoming People, How to Anticipate the Government?", Monday 25 March.

Even though it is like an operational toll road in general, BPJT guarantees that these functional toll roads are suitable for use during Eid homecoming. Support facilities and toll safety levels have also been fulfilled properly. So that people don't have to worry about using the functional toll road for Eid homecoming.

"We have also socialized to BUJT to stop construction during the Eid homecoming so that it is free from heavy equipment and material buildup on toll roads," he explained.

In addition to preparing functional toll roads, BPJT also improves the regulation of the rest area system for smooth homecoming flow and backflow, especially the potential for congestion on toll roads. According to him, one of the causes of toll road congestion is in the use of rest areas. This is the focus of BPJT to regulate rest areas so that they do not become the cause of traffic jams.

"We have socialized to the rest area manager that travelers should not linger while in the rest area. We will limit it no later than 30 minutes so that there is no buildup," he said.

His party has also anticipated that drivers also do not linger in the rest area, namely by adding portable toilets so that there are no long queues. In addition, BPJT also appealed to restaurant or tenant owners in the rest area to provide fast services and if possible, apply take away or wrapped food orders.

We will lock the full rest area later. We apply an open closing system so that when the rest area is full, travelers can use rest areas after that. This is also intended so that the driver does not park on the shoulder of the road near the rest area," he added.

Another important thing that needs to be anticipated to avoid congestion is the adequacy of the toll balance. BPJT noted, at Nataru's homecoming yesterday, there were around 28 thousand drivers who experienced insufficient toll balance.

"We strongly urge BPJT to inform balance adequacy for toll road users. The adequacy of this balance has not been properly informed. There has been an increase in tariffs in several sections. For example in Cikampek. From the usual goal 1, Rp. 20,000, now Rp. 27 thousand. So it should be, the balance is increased by 30-40 percent from last year," he explained.

However, BPJT also appealed to the public to consider using arterial roads as an alternative, especially at the peak of the homecoming flow. The goal is not to cause congestion and buildup on toll roads so that they can go home comfortably.

In addition to comfort factors, BPJT also emphasized that the public should pay attention to safety factors, including vehicle feasibility and driver condition.

"Because, based on data pocketed by BPJT, accidents on toll roads are dominated by sleepy drivers, tired, and broken tires," he said.

In addition, BPJT also appealed to travelers to be aware of extreme weather and the phenomenon of aqua planning, which is a condition where the car seems to be floating because the tires are unable to bite the road surface.

Therefore, he appealed that travelers must really ensure that the condition of all vehicles, including the condition of the tires, must really be suitable for use.