Starting May 1, 2025, electric buses in Yogyakarta will take on a new role, dedicated exclusively to serving tourists in the heart of the city. This move, initiated by the Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), is aimed at optimizing routes and avoiding service overlap with Trans Jogja buses.
Wulan Sapto Nugroho, Head of the Transportation Division at DIY’s Transportation Agency, confirmed that socialization efforts would begin by the end of April to inform the public of the upcoming changes. “At the end of this month, we will begin socializing this shift of electric buses in Yogyakarta so the public is informed and not caught off guard,” she said on Sunday in Yogyakarta.
The new operational focus is centered around the city’s cultural core—particularly the philosophical axis that stretches from Tugu Yogyakarta to the southern square (Alun-Alun Kidul). This adjustment is based on previous trials which revealed route redundancies with Trans Jogja line 1A, limiting the efficiency of electric bus services.
To prevent further overlap, the revised electric bus routes will run on separate paths from Trans Jogja. “The route selected for the electric bus will be different from Trans Jogja’s, so they won’t cross paths,” Wulan explained.
Two new starting points will anchor the service: Ngabean parking area on the west side of the city, and Kridosono on the east. “The electric buses will continue operating within the city, especially along the philosophical axis,” she noted.
While the specific new routes are still under final review, a coordination meeting involving local bus operators and the Yogyakarta City Transportation Office is scheduled for next week. “Among those involved are the operator and the City of Yogyakarta’s Transportation Department. The target is to have the new routes implemented by May 1,” Wulan said.
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Technical trials were also conducted to measure battery endurance and calculate how many loops a single bus can complete before needing a recharge. Wulan emphasized that the charging station would remain at Adisutjipto Airport. “The charging station will remain at Adisutjipto Airport, so once the battery hits 30 percent, the bus must return to the airport,” she explained.
With these changes, DIY hopes the electric buses can act as shuttle services in the city’s busiest tourist areas. “Once the route shifts to Ngabean, the service can operate more like a shuttle bus, making more loops and accommodating more passengers,” Wulan said.
She also clarified the primary demographic currently using electric buses. “They’re not mostly commuters or daily users, although there are a few,” she added. According to her, most passengers are tourists interested in trying out the environmentally friendly ride.
The shift won’t affect the fare, DIY’s two electric buses will continue operating on the same route, and the rides will remain free for the public until the end of 2025.
