Transportation Minister Inspects Transportation Connectivity during Pandemic in Palembang
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi inspects transportation mode in Palembang, South Sumatra, Saturday (12/9). (Photo by: Ministry of Transportation)
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi inspected connectivity and effectiveness of transportation modes in Palembang, South Sumatra, during the pandemic.
The Minister tried out South Sumatra Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport to Jakabaring Station and hopped on Trans Musi Bus.
“I tried out the connectivity of Palembang city transport. I think the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) are well-integrated. LRT station is located very close to the BRT station. From now on, we will continue improving the effectiveness among the transportation modes. Thus, each mode must be integrated with other modes,” Budi said on Saturday (12/9).
He went on to say that there is indeed a decline in the number of public transportation passengers. Nevertheless, he told transportation operators to always give their best services and comply with the health protocols.
For the record, the operational of South Sumatra Line LRT has been limited during the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, we have imposed restriction on the operational of trains from 88 to 22 routes. It is aimed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to anticipate a decline in the number of passengers,” he added.
Regarding Trans Musi BRT, the Minister explained that 3 routes are operated under ‘Buy the Service’ scheme, namely the Alang Alang Lebar Terminal – Dempo route, Asrama Haji –Sako Terminal route, and Plaju Terminal – Jakabaring Station. ‘Buy the Service’ is a scheme where the Government purchases mass transportation services from transportation operators through a quality licensing tender model.
“The scheme is well-implemented in three routes in South Sumatra and the number will increase. I guess the output is quite good and I hope it can be an effective transportation mode for the people in Palembang City,” he added.
In the meantime, Director General for Land Transportion Budi Setiyadi said that the BRT will have one new route this year which will be operated under ‘Buy the Service’ scheme, namely Alang Alang Lebar Terminal – Talang Jambe route.
“We have offered tender for Alang Alang Lebar Terminal – Talang Jambe route along with the buses to the Palembang Government. The BRT will have 4 routes in total, 43 buses, with a headway time of 10 – 15 minutes,” the Director said.
On the same occasion, Minister Budi symbolically gave 2,000 face masks to Transportation Office of Palembang City. The assistance is expected to help the officers to strictly impose health protocols to the passengers, particularly the LRT.
“We must prioritize health aspect. I call on the transportation operator and the Regional Government to always follow health protocols and increase supervision so that the LRT passengers can feel safe and secure,” the Minister concluded. (Ministry of Transportation/EN)
Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani
