PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) recorded a new record for the number of light rail transit (LRT) passengers in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi (Jabodebek) with the highest number of users since it first operated on August 28 2023. In October 2024, the Jabodebek LRT serving a total of 2,204,785 users, an increase of 13% or 251,690 users compared to September.
“We are happy and grateful to see the extraordinary enthusiasm from the community,” said Mahendro Trang Bawono as Public Relations Manager of the Jabodebek LRT in an official statement, Monday (4/11).
He explained that the average daily user of the Jabodebek LRT on weekdays was 81,327 in October 2024, an increase of 1.6% from the previous month. Meanwhile, on weekends it gets busier with an average of 41,784 users, an increase of 18%.
“This increase shows that residents are increasingly aware of the importance of public transportation,” said Mahendro.
One of the activities that contributed to the increase in Jabodebek LRT passengers was the celebration of the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabumi Raka on October 20 2024. Through a special fare promo of IDR 1, it was said that it succeeded in attracting 61,199 users on that day.
From an operational perspective, he continued, the performance of the Jabodebek LRT is getting better. This is reflected in the punctuality of train rides being 98.32% in October, slightly higher than in September which reached 98.31%. To meet increasing travel needs, the Jabodebek LRT operated 10,188 trips last October, with an average of 348 trips on weekdays and 260 trips every weekend.
“We will continue to provide innovation and strengthen services, so that people’s travel becomes more comfortable and efficient,” concluded Mahendro. (Z-11)
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**Interview with Dr. Arief Santoso, Urban Transport Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Santoso. The Jakarta Light Rail Transit (LRT) has recently made headlines with a remarkable increase in passenger numbers. Can you provide us with some insights on this growth?
**Dr. Santoso:** Absolutely, it’s a pleasure to be here. The Jabodebek LRT has indeed witnessed a significant surge in ridership. In October 2024 alone, it served over 2.2 million passengers, which marks a 13% increase from the previous month. This uptick is indicative of a positive trend in urban transport, suggesting that more residents are opting for public transit.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive growth! What do you think are the main factors contributing to this increase?
**Dr. Santoso:** Several factors are at play here. Firstly, the Jabodebek LRT’s efficiency and reliability have improved since its launch. The convenience of the service saves commuters time, especially for those traveling between Jakarta and its surrounding areas like Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi. Additionally, the rise in public awareness about the benefits of using public transport, coupled with ongoing traffic congestion issues, has pushed more people to consider alternatives like the LRT.
**Interviewer:** With such an increase in passengers, how do you see this affecting Jakarta’s urban transportation landscape?
**Dr. Santoso:** This could be a game-changer for Jakarta. Greater ridership numbers might encourage further investments in public transport infrastructure and services. If this trend continues, we could see less reliance on private vehicles, leading to reduced traffic congestion and better air quality in the long run. Additionally, increasing LRT patronage can drive the development of transit-oriented projects, boosting local economies in the areas served by the LRT.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising. However, with this growth, are there concerns regarding the capacity and management of services?
**Dr. Santoso:** Certainly, there are concerns that need to be addressed. As ridership increases, it’s essential for PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) to ensure that trains run on time and can accommodate passenger numbers without compromising comfort. Investments in maintenance and potential expansions of the system will be necessary to keep up with demand and prevent overcrowding.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Santoso. It’s an exciting time for Jakarta’s transportation system, and we look forward to seeing how it evolves in the coming months.
**Dr. Santoso:** Thank you for having me! I’m optimistic about the future of urban transportation in Jakarta.
