The Jakarta Transportation Agency Claims That Bike Sharing Is Widely Used During The Pandemic

Bike Sharing by DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency (Photo: Istagram @dishubdkijakarta)

JAKARTA - Head of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, Syafrin Liputo, claims that bike sharing has increased since the initial trial at a number of points some time ago.

Currently, there are 200 bicycles that can be used by residents in nine locations using bike sharing. Seeing the high interest of residents, the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency will increase the number of bicycles and increase use points.

"We will repair bike stations in the corridors of mass public transport," said Syafrin to reporters, Monday, July 13.

The nine points of use of bike sharing are the Bundaran HI MRT Station, the East side of the Pelican Crossing Bus Stop, the HI Roundabout, the West side Pelican Crossing Bus Stop.

Then, bike sharing is also provided in front of the Sinar Mas Building, South Side City Hall Bus Stop, Tanah Abang Station, Central Jakarta Mayor, Abdul Muis Technical Service Building, and Jatibaru Technical Service Building.

The use of bike sharing, said Syafrin, is an alternative for residents who usually use public transportation for their movements. Because, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the buildup of mass public transportation must be avoided to minimize the transmission of the corona virus.

"There has been an increase in the use of bike sharing. So, from some people who had intended to take advanced transportation, but with bike sharing, they immediately used it," said Syafrin.

Syafrin continued, the bike sharing facility in a number of locations will also arouse people's interest in cycling. This is because during the COVID-19 pandemic, bicycle use is the safest transportation from virus transmission and is environmentally friendly.

"Our goal is to provide bike sharing because we want to use bicycles as a means of transportation in the last or first mile of residents in carrying out their daily activities after using mass transportation or public transportation in their movements," he said.

The bike sharing trial has been open since last Friday, July 3. The trial was conducted for a month to see the increase in public interest in cycling.

In its use, residents first have to download the GOWES application from their respective cellphones. After registering, the user is asked to fill in the balance in the application to open the bicycle lock.

The fee for using the bike sharing is IDR 3,000 per 15 minutes. When finished driving, park the bicycle in the available parking zone, then lock the padlock manually. Then, scan the QR Code in the bicycle parking lot to end the trip.