The MRT and light rail transit (LRT) projects in Jakarta are nearing completion. Detailed plans should be developed and implemented to integrate the two new transportation modes with the Transjakarta busway and commuter train routes.
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JAKARTA, KOMPAS – On Sunday (15/4/2018), the first train arrived for Corridor 1 of the capital’s light rail transit (LRT) system, stretching from Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta to Rawamangun Velodrome in East Jakarta. The train, comprising two cars, was the first of eight ordered from South Korea’s Hyundai Rottem factory.
The two cars were transported from Tanjung Priok Port at 10 p.m. on Saturday. PT Jakarta Propertindo spokesman Harto Pratama said the two cars were delivered to the LRT line in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.
Jakarta Propertindo project management officer Rosyid Setiawan said the cars were placed on Section 5 of LRT Corridor 1 in front of Mal Kelapa Gading. The cars were placed there temporarily while awaiting the completion of the train depot on Jl. Pegangsaan Dua in North Jakarta.
Rosyid said a total of eight trains, or 16 cars, will serve Corridor 1, with one train due to arrive every month. Each train has a capacity to carry up to 135 passengers. The trains would undergo two tests – the static test and the dynamic test – before they were placed in full service, said Rosyid. “The static test is related to train specification conformity, including windows, doors and communication equipment,” he said. The dynamic test involves running the train on the LRT corridor.
Rosyid said that the development of the Kelapa Gading-Rawamangun Velodrome Corridor 1 was 70 percent complete. It was hoped that the corridor would be operational before the 2018 Asian Games.
Although the train had been installed on the tracks, Jakarta Propertindo said it was still closed to public access. “In consideration of safety, only drones are permitted for taking pictures,” said Harto.
Around a week before the LRT train’s arrival, the first MRT train arrived in Tanjung Priok. The train is housed at the MRT depot in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta.
Sidewalks key to integration
Ahead of completing the first stages of the MRT and LRT transportation services, the government is urged to improve the intermodal integration of the Jakarta public transportation system. Without proper integration, the new mass transportation services will not be able to attract people to switch from private vehicles to public transport. Key to this integration are comfortable and convenient sidewalks that connect train stations, bus stops, business centers, offices and public facilities.
Jakarta Transportation Council (DTKJ) member Damantoro said that the LRT and MRT marked a new era of rail-based transportation in Jakarta after 15 years of bus-based mass transit in the Transjakarta busway service.
“Integration between the LRT, the MRT, Transjakarta and OK OTrip [cashless public minivan] must be done,” Damantoro said in Jakarta on Saturday (14/4).
Integration must include a payment system and mode-changing access that was safe, comfortable and accessible. Access between the transportation modes must not exceed 500 meters and pedestrian walkways must be provided to channel passenger movement.
Apart from access, the payment system must also be integrated. Damantoro suggested the Jakarta administration to create a specific department to handle the integration. “[Mass transit] management must be the priority of the Jakarta administration, as the city now has road-based and rail-based mass transit. The administration must manage all train stations and bus stops on their own,” he said.
Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno said the LRT marked a new era of mass transit in the capital. The service is hoped to encourage citizens to switch from private vehicles to mass transit in order to reduce traffic congestion in the capital.