Jakarta Governor, Pramonl Anung officially launched the Transjabodetabek route SH2 that connects Blok M Terminal with Soekarno-Hatta Airport. The launching was run at Blok M Terminal, South Jakarta, Thursday (3/12).

This new Transjabodetabek service aims to reduce the number of private vehicles traveling to the airport, which currently stands at 70 to 80 percent. According to Ministry of Transportation data, approximately 54.9 million people use Soekarno-Hatta Airport annually.

With this Transjabodetabek route, it is hoped that it can reduce the burden of vehicle traffic to Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

"Today we are starting something new that the public has been waiting for, namely to inaugurate the Transjabodetabek SH2 Blok M-Soekarno-Hatta Airport service," said Pramono.

To welcome the Eid al-Fitr homecoming season, the Jakarta Provincial Government has set a fare of Rp 3,500, which will be in effect for the first three months. The Jakarta Provincial Government will then evaluate the SH2 route fare, considering the excessive subsidy burden.

"Since the subsidy is too large, we will increase the fee, ranging from Rp 10,000 to Rp 15,000. We will decide after providing tickets or routes at Rp3,500 for three months," he added.

Even though there will be a fare increase, Pramono is optimistic that this service will remain popular with the public because the price is much more affordable than other modes of transportation.

Pramono gave examples of other transportation fares such as the Damri shuttle which is Rp 80,000, conventional taxis around Rp 217,000, and online transportation which is around Rp 127,000 – Rp 155,000.

The SH2 route operates 14 specially designed buses. Unlike regular buses, these buses feature a low-deck design for easy access and are equipped with luggage storage areas.

This fleet operates from 5 AM to 10 PM, with a total of 23 stops. Bus wait times range from 10 to 20 minutes, with an estimated journey time of approximately 121 minutes and a route length of 65.1 km. The governor targets this route to serve approximately 1,900-2,000 passengers per day.

Tangerang Mayor Sachrudin expressed his appreciation for the launch of the Transjabodetabek service on the Blok M-Soetta Airport route. He stated that this service will make things easier for Tangerang residents, the majority of whom work in Jakarta, and will help reduce traffic congestion.

"We greatly appreciate and thank you, Governor, for launching the Transjabodetabek bus service from Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Thank you for your collaboration in reducing congestion at several points," he stated.