In a determined effort to tackle escalating vehicle emissions in the city, the Jakarta government has announced its ambitious project to bolster the electric bus fleet to a remarkable 100 vehicles. Spearheaded by TransJakarta, the municipally-owned land transport company, this initiative forms a pivotal part of the city’s comprehensive strategy to curtail pollution levels.
Commencing from September 1, a groundbreaking policy will be implemented, mandating emission tests for all vehicles operating within the city limits. Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono, speaking on Sunday, emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “We will introduce an additional 22 electric buses in October, elevating the total count of battery-based buses to 100.”
TransJakarta, known for its interconnected routes that seamlessly connect Jakarta with neighboring cities including Tangerang, Depok, Bekasi, and Bogor, will be at the forefront of this transformative endeavor.
As a critical extension of the electrification campaign, the city administration has outlined plans to establish numerous electric vehicle charging stations strategically positioned near shopping centers and gas stations, as disclosed by Heru.
Notably, a comprehensive scheme has been devised to provide 186 electric motorcycles exclusively for city government employees, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Elaborating on the logistics, Heru highlighted that the Jakarta Transportation Department is poised to collaborate closely with the Jakarta police to effectuate the vehicle emission testing initiative, which is set to commence in the upcoming month. This meticulous testing process will gauge several key parameters, including lubricant oil temperature, engine rotation, and levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, and oxygen.
Importantly, vehicles manufactured within the past three years will generally be exempt from the stringent emission tests, unless explicitly mandated by law enforcement authorities.
As Jakarta undertakes these bold measures to combat emissions and foster cleaner urban mobility, the city sets an inspiring example for sustainable transportation initiatives on a global scale.
