Jakarta – Jakarta's three-in-one system will be permanently scrapped while the even-odd policy will be implemented if traffic on affected roads increases again early next week, an official said on Friday.

The decision comes after a four-day temporary suspension this week of the system – which has barred vehicles carrying less than three people from entering several main arteries during rush hour since it was introduced in the 90s – wreaked havoc, with some reports suggesting traffic increased up 24 percent on average.

The provisional suspension will again be imposed next week for three days from Monday. If traffic increases about 35 percent, the even-odd policy will immediately take over. The policy will see cars taking turns every other day to pass through the capital's main thoroughfares based on license plates ending in even or odd numbers.

"The studies for the system were conducted four years," said Andri Yansyah, head of the city's Transportation office. "And we will immediately prepare other matters related to the system, including supervision mechanisms. It will be useless if there is no firm sanction against those who use double plates."

The policy comes during a period of transition towards the long overdue implementation of the Electronic Road Pricing system. The technology and infrastructure for ERP, an alternative which will require cars to pay to pass certain roads using onboard units, has been available, though its regulations and payment procedures are still being prepared by the Jakarta administration.

"That is the only solution. Three-in-one is no longer effective," Andri said.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/3-1-permanently-scrapped-replaced-even-odd/