Once Complained, MRT Is Now Improving Non-folding Bicycle Access To Trains

JAKARTA - PT MRT Jakarta has improved access for non-folding bicycles to enter the station and train cars. Previously, bicycle users had complained about this access.

"MRT Jakarta is making improvements to non-folding bicycle access based on input from several communities including ITDP Indonesia, Bike2Work Indonesia, and also involving the public", said Corporate Secretary Division Head PT MRT Jakarta Ahmad Pratomo in his statement, Wednesday, April 21.

The improvement is the use of coil plastic carpet material on the ramp to keep the surface of the ramp from slippery, then reposition and modify the ramp so that the bicycle pedal does not get caught.

Then, the addition of a bike rack to 20 units at three stations, namely Lebak Bulus Grab Station, Blok M BCA, and Bundaran HI; as well as the involvement of volunteers to assist and direct cycling passengers.

"MRT Jakarta will be committed to continuing to improve access to non-folding bicycles to ensure the safety and comfort of bicycle users in mobilizing", he said.

Currently, non-folding bicycle access is only available at three stations, namely Lebak Bulus Grab, Blok M BCA, and Bundaran HI. However, non-folding bicycle users are only allowed to use the Jakarta MRT outside of peak hours (07.00-9.00 and 17.00-19.00), use train number six in each series, and a maximum of four bicycles per departure.

While on Saturdays and Sundays, non-foldable bicycles are allowed during train operating hours. This restriction is carried out to reduce the potential for passenger buildup. For this trial period, non-folding bikes will be provided with a priority area for the last carriage of the Ratangga series, for a maximum of 4 bikes.

Had a complaint

The policy for non-folding bicycles to enter the Jakarta Moda Raya Terpadu (MRT) trains has been observed by the Bike to Work cyclist community. Greeted, but on a critical note. Access is considered less supportive.

The chairman of the Bike to Work (B2W) community, Putut Soedarjanto, admitted that his party gave his appreciation to the management of PT MRT Jakarta to integrate transportation modes in urban areas.

"This is common in other cities in the world where the lives of their citizens are better and more prosperous. This policy should be encouraged", Putut told VOI, Monday, March 29.

Several B2W members, said Putut, have already tried out the non-folding bicycle facility for entering the Ratangga train. Furthermore, the community provided a written evaluation record to PT MRT Jakarta.

"We have nine pages of notes, regarding access to stairs leading out of the station", he said.

Bike to Work considers that the path used to guide bicycles/ramps installed on the edge of the stairs going up and down the MRT station is less supportive for passing bicycles. Too steep and slippery, he said.

"The ramp down is too steep, some of the surfaces of the ramp are slippery, and the ramp is too close to the railing (handrail) of the stairs", said Putut.