Jakarta LRT to be completed by 2026, encouraging the public to use public transportation.

KatadataOTO – Traffic congestion in the city center is a common occurrence on weekdays and weekends. Therefore, the Provincial Government of Jakarta has prepared alternative modes of transportation to accommodate travel.

In addition to Transjakarta, KRL, and MRT, the LRT (Light Rail Transit) is also available. On August 28, 2023, the Jabodebek LRT officially began operations with a special initial fare of Rp 5,000.

However, there is another LRT project serving the Velodrome-Manggarai route, also known as LRT Jakarta Phase 1B. It is hoped to make it easier for people who commute within the city area.

It also aims to reduce traffic density in the city. It should be noted that the population of motor vehicles in Jakarta registered with the National Police Traffic Corps has reached 24.3 million units, including cars and motorcycles.

Photo : LRT Jakarta

“We also want to increase public interest in switching from private vehicles to public transportation,” said Ramdani Akbar, Project Director of LRT Jakarta, on the sidelines of the Jakpro Media Connect event in Jakarta, Monday (17/03).

Phase 1B is an extension of 1A with the route from Pegangsaan Dua or Kelapa Gading to Velodrome, Rawamangun. However, the distance is relatively short at 5.8 kilometers.

He explained that the LRT Jakarta will later stop at several stations, namely Rawamangun, Pramuka BPKP, Pasar Pramuka, Matraman, and end its journey at Manggarai. The total distance is 6.4 kilometers.

To make it even easier for the public, they are working to ensure that each station is integrated with other existing modes of transportation such as Transjakarta and train stations.

“There are several stations connected to Transjakarta (stops). In the end, we will build a connection line for LRT 1B with the Manggarai KRL station,” he affirmed.

Overall, LRT Jakarta phase 1B will serve a journey of 12.2 kilometers, while the travel time between stations is about 10 minutes.

“It is expected that passengers can (travel) from Kelapa Gading to Manggarai in no more than 40 minutes,” said Ramdani.

Photo : LRT Jakarta

This newest mode of transportation is targeted to start serving the public next year. The construction of each station is still proceeding according to plan, with Rawamangun Station having reached the architectural stage.

The process at Manggarai Station is quite complicated as it is a congested area, requiring coordination with the Transportation Agency and the police to manage traffic around Manggarai.

“We hope (LRT Jakarta Phase 1B) can be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026, about one more year,” said Ramdani