Starting Today, KAI Shortens Long-distance Train Travel Time, Gambir-Yogyakarta To Only 6 Hours

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has shortened the travel time for long-distance trains on a number of train trips starting today. This is an innovation in welcoming the 76th Anniversary of KAI.

The acceleration of travel time applies to Argo Bromo Anggrek (Gambir - Surabaya Pasar Turi pp), Argo Wilis (Bandung - Surabaya Gubeng pp) train trips, Argo Lawu (Gambir - Solo Balapan pp), Argo Dwipangga (Gambir - Solo Balapan pp), and Taksaka (Gambir - Yogyakarta pp).

"This travel acceleration aims to meet the expectations of customers who need a faster travel time," said KAI President Director Didiek Haryantyo in an official statement, Friday, September 24.

Didiek gave an example, the return trip (roundtrip) for the Gambir-Yogyakarta train route is now shorter, only about 6 hours from the previous 7 hours using the Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga trains.

Then, the Argo Wilis train for the Bandung-Surabaya Gubeng pp route is 48 minutes faster, so the travel time is 9 hours 55 minutes.

Furthermore, the Argo Bromo Anggrek train route Gambir - Surabaya Pasar Turi pp after June 1, 2021 has been reduced by 14 minutes, this time it has been reduced again by 19-20 minutes so that now the travel time is 8 hours 10 minutes.

"This acceleration can be achieved through improving infrastructure capabilities so that trains are able to go faster but still prioritize travel safety," he said.

In addition, KAI has also launched Free Wifi services on Argo Bromo Anggrek, Argo Lawu, Argo Dwipangga, Argo Wilis, Taksaka, and Argo Parahyangan trains. The presence of free wifi aims to meet customer needs in the digital era.

While on the train, customers can choose a wifi SSID with the name #FreeWi-fi:MacroAd to be able to access free wifi during the trip.

"With free Wifi, customers can still carry out activities such as work, access entertainment content, and communicate while traveling," added Didiek.

For information, passengers who will travel using long-distance trains are required to have been vaccinated at least the first dose and show a certificate of negative RT-PCR test results a maximum of 2x24 hours or a rapid antigen test a maximum of 1x24 hours before the scheduled departure. KAI provides 64 stations that serve Antigen Rapid Test for IDR 45,000.

For customers with special health conditions or comorbid diseases that prevent them from receiving vaccines, they are required to attach a doctor's certificate from a government hospital stating that the person concerned has not and/or is unable to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination.

Customers under the age of 12 are still not allowed to travel by train.