LRT Jabodebek Set to Begin Operations in July 2023, But Fare Rates Remain Undecided

The Jabodebek LRT
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The Jabodetabek Light Rail Transit (LRT Jabodebek) system is expected to begin operations on July 12, 2023, pending official government approval of the fare rates.

The KAI LRT Jabodebek Public Relations Manager, Kuswardojo, stated that they are still waiting for regulations from the Ministry of Transportation regarding the fare rates for the LRT Jabodebek.

He said, “Until now, we are still waiting for a decision that sets the fare rate for the LRT Jabodebek.”

Previously, the LRT Jabodebek had announced that the fare rate decision would be announced in April 2023. However, as of mid-May, there has been no announcement regarding the fare rates.

According to the regulations stated in Article 3 paragraph 2 of Minister of Transportation Regulation No. 28/2012 regarding Guidelines for Calculating and Determining the Rates of Passenger Rail Transportation, the announcement of fare rates for passenger rail transportation should be made three months prior to their implementation.

The LRT Jabodebek has proposed a fare range of Rp15,000 to Rp25,000. Kuswardojo stated that the proposed fare rates may potentially be lower, considering the public service obligation (PSO) or subsidies that will be provided for mass transportation modes. “We hope that the proposed fare rates can be even cheaper because there will be subsidies,” he added.

In addition, Kuswardojo added that the commercial operation date (COD) of the LRT is targeted for July 12, 2023. He stated that the progress of the LRT Jabodebek construction has reached 92.34% as of May 4, 2023.

The work related to the operational aspects of the train has been completed overall, and the team is now in the process of finishing the station buildings and installing some equipment in the train depots. “Overall, all the operational infrastructure related to the train’s operation is ready,” he concluded.

The Jabodetabek area, which stands for Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi, is the second-largest metropolitan area in Indonesia, with a population of around 35 million.

The LRT is expected to help alleviate traffic congestion in the region, which is known for its heavy traffic. With its launch in July 2023, the LRT Jabodebek will provide a new transportation alternative for commuters in the Jakarta metropolitan area, with a total length of approximately 90 km and 35 stations.