Greater Jakarta, or Jabodetabek, is one of the most populous and congested metropolitan areas in the world. With more than 30 million people living and working in the region, transportation has become a major challenge for both residents and authorities. Traffic jams, pollution, accidents, and inefficiency are some of the problems that plague the urban mobility system.
To address these issues, the government has initiated several projects to develop and improve public transportation modes, such as Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Commuter Line, and Light Rail Transit (LRT). Among these, LRT Jabodebek is the latest and most anticipated one, as it promises to offer a fast, comfortable, and affordable service for commuters in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi.
What is LRT Jabodebek?
LRT Jabodebek is a light rail transit system that connects Jakarta with its satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi. It consists of two corridors: Cawang-Bogor (Cibubur) and Cawang-Bekasi Timur. The total length of the system is 44.3 kilometers, with 18 stations along the way.
LRT Jabodebek is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour, with an average speed of 40 kilometers per hour. It can carry up to 1,308 passengers per trainset, which consists of six cars. The system uses a driverless technology, which means that the trains are controlled by a central command center.
LRT Jabodebek is expected to reduce travel time, traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in the region. It is also expected to increase accessibility, mobility, and connectivity among the urban areas. According to the Ministry of Transportation, LRT Jabodebek can serve up to 240,000 passengers per day.
How to Use LRT Jabodebek?
LRT Jabodebek officially started its commercial operation on August 28, 2023, after being inaugurated by President Joko Widodo. The service runs from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a frequency of 10 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes during off-peak hours.
To use LRT Jabodebek, passengers need to have an electronic money card issued by one of the following banks: BRI, BNI, Bank Mandiri, BTN, BCA, or Bank DKI Jakarta. Alternatively, they can also use KMT KAI Commuter card, Scan QRIS Link Aja or KAI Pay app. Cash payment is not accepted.
Passengers can buy or top up their electronic money cards at Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) available at every station. They can also use other facilities such as elevators, escalators, toilets, prayer rooms, information desks, security checks, and CCTV cameras.
To enter or exit the station, passengers need to tap their electronic money cards at the Automatic Gate Machine (AGM). They can then proceed to the boarding area on the first floor or the platform on the second floor. The trains are equipped with air conditioning, LED screens, speakers, emergency buttons, CCTV cameras, and fire extinguishers.
How Much Does It Cost?
The government has set a promotional tariff for LRT Jabodebek for one month since its operation start date. The tariff is flat at Rp5.000 for any distance traveled. This means that passengers can enjoy a 78 percent discount from the normal tariff.
The normal tariff for LRT Jabodebek is based on distance traveled. It starts from Rp5.000 for the first kilometer and increases by Rp700 per kilometer thereafter. The maximum tariff is Rp20.000 for the longest distance. This tariff scheme will be applied from October 2023 until February 2024.
Baca juga: Berapa Harga Tiket LRT Jabodebek? Ini Informasi Lengkapnya
The government provides a subsidy for LRT Jabodebek using the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme. The subsidy amount for the tariff promotion period is Rp66 billion. This does not include the subsidy for infrastructure development.
What are the Routes and Stations?
LRT Jabodebek has two corridors: Cawang-Bogor (Cibubur) and Cawang-Bekasi Timur. The Cawang-Bogor (Cibubur) corridor has a length of 24 kilometers and nine stations: Cawang TMII Kampung Rambutan Ciracas Harjamukti Halim Jatibening Baru Cikunir I Cikunir II Bekasi Barat Jati Mulya
The Cawang-Bekasi Timur corridor has a length of 20.3 kilometers and nine stations: Dukuh Atas Setiabudi Rasuna Said Kuningan Pancoran Cikoko Ciliwung Cawang
The stations are divided into two types: Interchange Station and Typical Station. The Interchange Station is Cawang, which is a transit station for passengers who want to switch between the two corridors. The Interchange Station has three floors: the first floor for boarding and commercial area, the second floor for platform, and the third floor for commercial area.
The Typical Station has two floors: the first floor for boarding and the second floor for platform. The Typical Station is smaller and simpler than the Interchange Station.
What are the Benefits and Challenges?
LRT Jabodebek is expected to bring many benefits for the people and the environment in Greater Jakarta. Some of the benefits are:
- Reducing travel time: LRT Jabodebek can cut down the travel time between Jakarta and its satellite cities significantly. For example, the travel time from Cawang to Bogor (Cibubur) can be reduced from 90 minutes by car to 30 minutes by LRT. The travel time from Cawang to Bekasi Timur can be reduced from 60 minutes by car to 25 minutes by LRT.
- Reducing traffic congestion: LRT Jabodebek can ease the traffic congestion on the main roads and highways in Greater Jakarta, especially during peak hours. By providing a fast and reliable alternative mode of transportation, LRT Jabodebek can encourage people to shift from private vehicles to public transportation, thus reducing the number of cars on the road.
- Reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions: LRT Jabodebek can improve the air quality and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in Greater Jakarta, which are mainly caused by vehicle exhausts. By using electricity as its energy source, LRT Jabodebek does not emit any harmful substances to the atmosphere. It also consumes less energy than conventional vehicles, thus saving fossil fuels and reducing carbon footprint.
- Increasing accessibility, mobility, and connectivity: LRT Jabodebek can increase the accessibility, mobility, and connectivity of people in Greater Jakarta, especially those who live or work in the suburban areas. By connecting Jakarta with its satellite cities, LRT Jabodebek can facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services across the region. It can also support the economic and social development of the areas along its routes.
However, LRT Jabodebek also faces some challenges that need to be addressed by the government and the operator. Some of the challenges are:
- Ensuring safety and security: LRT Jabodebek needs to ensure the safety and security of its passengers, staff, and infrastructure. This includes preventing accidents, crimes, vandalism, sabotage, terrorism, and natural disasters. LRT Jabodebek needs to implement strict safety standards, regulations, procedures, and protocols. It also needs to equip its system with adequate safety devices, security personnel, surveillance cameras, emergency response teams, and contingency plans.
- Managing operation and maintenance: LRT Jabodebek needs to manage its operation and maintenance efficiently and effectively. This includes ensuring the availability, reliability, punctuality, and quality of its service. LRT Jabodebek needs to monitor its performance indicators, such as ridership, revenue, cost, customer satisfaction, and safety records. It also needs to conduct regular inspections, repairs, replacements, upgrades, and improvements of its facilities and equipment.
- Integrating with other modes of transportation: LRT Jabodebek needs to integrate with other modes of transportation in Greater Jakarta, such as MRT, BRT, Commuter Line, buses, taxis, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. This includes providing seamless connectivity, coordination, synchronization, information sharing, ticketing system, fare integration, and intermodal facilities. LRT Jabodebek needs to collaborate with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, transportation operators, urban planners, developers, and communities.
Conclusion
LRT Jabodebek is a new solution for transportation in Greater Jakarta that offers a fast, comfortable, and affordable service for commuters in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi. It is expected to reduce travel time, traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in the region. It is also expected to increase accessibility, mobility, and connectivity among the urban areas.
However, LRT Jabodebek also faces some challenges that need to be addressed by the government and the operator. These include ensuring safety and security, managing operation and maintenance, and integrating with other modes of transportation.
LRT Jabodebek is a promising project that can contribute to the improvement of urban mobility and the quality of life in Greater Jakarta. It is hoped that LRT Jabodebek can become a successful example of public transportation development in Indonesia and other developing countries.