MRT Jakarta Brings Better Transportation Integration

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Inaugurated by President Joko Widodo, MRT Jakarta had been officially operating since Sunday (3/24). MRT Jakarta will become part of Jakarta’s Jak Linggo program which integrates all modes of transportation. It is expected to improve transportation services as well as Jakarta’s image as State Capital and improve the people’s discipline in using public transportation.

In the inauguration which took place at the Bunderan HI MRT Station, DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan along with a number of Working Cabinet Ministers and other invited guests were also present to accompanyPresident Joko Widodo.

Witnessed by thousands of people at the Bunderan HI, Central Jakarta, Anies reported to the President that MRT Jakarta will be part of Jak Lingko, a breakthrough in integrated transportation mode, ranging from small to large vehicles.

"We encourage MRT Jakarta to become a part of Jak Lingko, a system for capital city’s transportation integration, from small to large vehicles, from the first to last mile. Currently, MRT Jakarta has been integrated with TransJakarta. In the future, we will continue to integrate it with other transportation modes such as LRT and Commuter Line, within the framework of Jak Lingko. We will continue to develop MRT Phase 2 and subsequent phases," Anies said.

On the occasion, Governor Anies also conveyed the MRT Jakarta’s readiness in supporting the commuters’ needs to switch from using private vehicles to public transportation.

"The transport capacity of one MRT train chain is around 1,950 people one way. One MRT train chain composed of six trains with 50 seats provided on each train. Therefore, one train can accommodate around 350 passengers with full seats and standing capacity. "The estimated passenger per day at the start of the operation is 65,000 people per day and we will gradually increase to 130,000 per day next year," Anies said.

Anies explained that the MRT “Ratangga” train in average will operate for 19 hours to transport passengers, with a waiting time between one train chain around 5 minutes during rush hour and 10 minutes at normal hours.

MRT’s trainset which is colloquially named Ratangga will operate with 8 chains starting at 5:30 to 22:30 local time during March and April. After April, the number of circuits will be increased to 16 with operating hours to be increased from 05:00 to 24:00 local time. Currently, 71 engineers and 350 operating and maintenance personnel are ready for duty.

To further optimize its services, MRT Jakarta will also be integrated with a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area in the Dukuh Atas area, near Sudirman Station. In the future, this location will combine and connect various modes of transportation such as MRT, LRT, Commuter Line trains, Transjakarta, Airport Trains to other urban public transportation.

Anies invited the people to take advantage of MRT Jakarta as a momentum to realize a modern city lifestyle that is clean, disciplined and cultured. "To all Jakarta residents, we hope that this MRT will not only provide comfort and convenience, but also help shape behavior and character as an advanced and civilized citizen of the world. Congratulations on being a global citizen. Let's use the MRT and follow the rules," he said. (Reporter: G. Suranto, Translator: Wilda Stiana)