First Day Of PSBB Transition, Commuter Line Users Reached 150,000 People

Pressure of passengers on the commuter line (Yudhistira Mahabharata / VOI)

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) recorded that there were 150 thousand people using the electric train mode of transportation on the first day of the implementation of the transitional Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB). This figure has increased dramatically compared to the previous day which only reached 80 thousand users.

"This increase is related to the large number of people who have returned to their activities in connection with a number of areas entering the transitional PSBB period," said VP Corporate Communications of KCI, Anne Purba in a written statement, Monday, June 8.

He explained that today, KCI has normalized the operating frequency of its main train in the morning. The goal is to accommodate the number of passengers during this transitional PSBB period.

In addition, added Anne, KCI added 161 train trips, bringing a total of 935 trips per day.

He emphasized that KCI has restricted entry and exit of commuter line stations so that all users of these modes of transportation can be served.

"For the distance between trains in dense routes such as the Bogor route has also been maximized to five minutes, according to the available railway infrastructure," said Anne.

To support health protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, KCI enforces a queue system during peak hours. Unfortunately, according to him, many people are not familiar with this kind of health protocol.

Furthermore, he said, commuter line passengers would be reminded to wear face shields or faceshields, masks, or wear long sleeves. "This stage is designed to anticipate the increasing volume of passengers every day," said Anne.

Anne also emphasized that starting today, KCI will apply the rules for limiting hours related to elderly passengers and passengers with merchandise. "As well as for toddlers, it is temporarily prohibited to ride the KRL. The prohibition on speaking while inside the KRL has also been implemented," he said.

He emphasized that KCI has conducted socialization on all these additional rules. So, users of this transportation service are expected to be able to adapt and return to their activities amid the new normal during the COVID-19 outbreak.

"With mutual discipline, PT KCI believes KRL users can adapt to this new normal condition and return to their activities productively and safely," he concluded.