Jakarta Prepares Rp8 LRT Trial Fare Ahead of Kelapa Gading–Manggarai Launch
Kabarsaji.com – Jakarta is preparing to introduce a symbolic Rp8 fare for passengers during the trial operation of the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai Light Rail Transit line, a price chosen to reflect the spirit of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17.
Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo said the special fare will apply until President Prabowo Subianto formally inaugurates the new route. The initiative is intended to give residents an early opportunity to use the service while the capital awaits the official opening ceremony.
“Until the President officially inaugurates the line, we have decided to run the trial with a fare of Rp8 per passenger on this LRT service. Why Rp8? It is a continuation of the August 17 spirit,” Pramono said.
The governor made the remarks after an anniversary event for the Public Order Agency, or Satpol PP, at Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta on Tuesday. He did not provide a specific date for the start of the trial service, saying the city government remains in close communication with the State Palace regarding the President’s inauguration schedule.
For commuters, the proposed trial fare would make the new line one of the most affordable ways to experience an additional public transport option linking northern and central parts of Jakarta. The Kelapa Gading–Manggarai corridor is expected to become an important connection for people traveling through the capital, particularly as Jakarta continues to seek alternatives to private vehicle use.
Official Opening Date Still Pending
Pramono said he did not want to make a premature announcement before the line is officially opened by the President. The approach reflects the city’s effort to align the public rollout of the service with the national inauguration plan.
“I don’t want to announce anything until the actual inauguration day by the President,” Pramono added.
Although the final launch date has not been disclosed, the governor expressed hope that the LRT route will represent a significant development for Jakarta’s public transportation network. The city expects the service to eventually handle between 70,000 and 80,000 passengers each day.
That projected ridership highlights the role the line could play in the daily movement of workers, students, families, and other residents. A reliable rail service can offer travelers a more predictable journey than road-based transport during periods of heavy traffic, while also adding capacity to the broader transit system.
The route is planned to operate from 5 a.m. until midnight WIB. Those hours are designed to match the operating schedule of the commuter rail system, commonly known as KRL, creating a longer service window than some other transport modes in the city.
“[The operating hours] match the commuter rail (KRL) schedule. That is what sets it apart from other transit modes in Jakarta. And I hope this will help ease urban traffic congestion,” Pramono said.
Longer Daily Service for Commuters
The early-morning-to-midnight timetable is particularly relevant for residents whose work, education, or other activities do not fit within standard daytime hours. Rail lines that run before the morning peak and continue late into the evening can give passengers greater flexibility when planning trips across Jakarta.
Integration between public transport services is also important for passengers making multi-stage journeys. Matching the LRT operating window with the KRL schedule may help riders coordinate transfers and reduce the need to rely on private vehicles for part of a trip.
Jakarta has long faced congestion caused by the high number of vehicles on its roads. While a single transit route cannot solve that challenge on its own, an expanded rail network can provide another option for people willing to shift from cars or motorcycles to public transportation.
The Rp8 trial fare is therefore more than a promotional price. It is also an invitation for potential passengers to become familiar with the line, its stations, and its travel patterns before regular operations begin. The low-cost period may encourage residents who have not previously used the LRT to try the service.
Improving the Space Beneath the Elevated Track
Preparations for the trial and eventual launch are not limited to rail operations. Pramono said the city has begun arranging the area beneath the elevated LRT structure, with cleaning and landscaping work included in the plan.
“We have already begun clearing the area underneath. I have even instructed Distamhut to start greening efforts. And I hope that can be completed soon,” Pramono said.
The City Parks and Forestry Agency, known as Distamhut, has been directed to carry out the greening effort. Improving spaces under elevated infrastructure can help make surrounding neighborhoods feel more orderly and usable, while also addressing the visual impact of a major rail structure.
As the inauguration approaches, residents will be watching for confirmation of the trial’s start date, the operational arrangements for passengers, and the transition to full service. For now, the planned Rp8 fare and extended daily hours offer an early indication of how Jakarta wants the Kelapa Gading–Manggarai LRT line to serve the city.
The project is expected to add a new layer to Jakarta’s transportation choices while supporting the wider goal of making public transit a practical option for more daily journeys. With projected ridership reaching tens of thousands of passengers per day, the line could become a visible part of the capital’s effort to reduce pressure on its roads and improve urban mobility.
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