Jakarta (TAN): Indonesia’s capital Jakarta has begun a passenger trial of its first metro service on March 12 that is slated to last until March 23 this year. The service is expected to reduce pressure on road traffic and offer a convenient transport option to travellers visiting the city.
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo said the first phase will be officially opened for public use on March 24.
He urged people to use the metro in order to alleviate pressure from the roads.
“The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will also impose a paid road or electronic road pricing (ERP) so that people will inevitably use public transportation,” he added.
[ALSO READ: Hilton honours Barbie with hot pink suite on her 60th birthday]
Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education Mohamad Nasir also participated in the trial. He said the Jakarta MRT will provide citizens with a smooth mode of transport and lessen congestion on city roads.
“I am sure that with the transportation of the Jakarta MRT train this will change the behavior of passengers to be more disciplined, maintain cleanliness, and on time, and respect each other’s passengers. Let’s keep it clean because it belongs to the people of Indonesia, especially Jakarta,” he added.
The first phase of the Mass Rapid Transit system or MRT stretches across 16 kilometers, of which 10 kilometers constitute elevated lines and the remaining six underground lines, MRT’s official website said.
Trial runs are being conducted between Lebak Bulus in south Jakarta and the Indonesia Hotel Roundabout. Other stations include Fatmawati, Cipete Raya, Haji Nawi, Blok A, Blok M, Sisingamangaraja, Senayan, Istora, Bendungan Hilir, Setiabudi, and Dukuh Atas, with Lebak Bulus being the depot station. The stations spanning from Senayan to the Indonesia Hotel Roundabout are underground stations.
[ALSO READ: AirAsia brings noise-cancelling headphones for premium flatbed flyers]
The rides between the terminus stations last for 30 minutes, media reports said.
Construction of phase one had started on October 10, 2013.
