BPTJ Operates Sentul City-Blok M Bus, Tariff IDR 25,000

JAKARTA - The Jabodetabek Transportation Management Agency (BPTJ) has started operating the Jabodetabek Residence Connexion (JR Connexion) bus on the Sentul City-Blok M route.

Head of BPTJ Polana B. Pramesti said that this bus service was used as an alternative to using the commuterline electric train (KRL) for the Bogor-Jakarta route, which always accumulated in the morning and evening during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the reduction in passenger capacity in the carriages.

"According to the RITJ target, one of the BPTJ's Main Performance Indicators is the achievement of a 60 percent share mode for mass public transportation by 2029," said Polana in a written statement, Thursday, July 23.

To achieve this target, the JR Connexion service is a form of innovation to serve passengers from pockets of demand such as settlements to urban centers.

From Sentul to Jakarta and vice versa, the public can use the JR Connexion service at a one-way fare of Rp. 25 thousand. Even so, this amount is still in the promo rate for the trial period.

There are 3 buses prepared in the morning and evening. In the morning, the bus departs from Sentul City Terminal, precisely in front of the Jabal Nur Grand Mosque with departure times at 05.30 WIB, 06.00 WIB and 09.00 WIB.

Meanwhile, for the reverse route, buses operate at 17.00 WIB, 17.30 WIB and 20.00 WIB with the departure point from Pasar Raya Blok M, South Jakarta.

The JR Connexion service tariff is indeed many times more expensive than the Jabodetabek KRL. However, said Polana, the purpose of this public transport service is not limited to encouraging the community to switch from using private vehicles to using mass public transportation.

The goal, he said, is to foster public confidence that mass public transport is the best and reliable choice for commuting activities. Moreover, during this pandemic, the community as much as possible must maintain a safe distance and not overcrowd using public transportation.

"For that, the key is service. If people get good service, they will naturally switch to mass public transportation." explained Polana.

Polana continued, the effect that can be observed from this bus service is the potential to increase public trust, which can be a valuable investment for business sustainability.

"Consistency in providing services with the discipline to enforce health protocols during a pandemic will create a sense of security in passengers. The sense of security felt by passengers will gradually create trust or public trust that is of great long-term value to this transportation business," he said.