Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, officially inaugurated a new Transjabodetabek route at Bekasi Terminal via Becakayu Toll Road - Galunggung Bus Stop, at Dukuh Atas or B25. The inauguration of Transjabodetabek took place at Transjakarta Galunggung Bus Stop, Dukuh Atas, Thursday (7/3).

This new route was launched to improve public transportation connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the Jakarta Greater area.

"By saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially inaugurate the Transjabodetabek Bekasi-Dukuh Atas route service," he expressed.

He explained that 15 bus fleets were prepared for this route, with an estimated waiting time of about 10 minutes during peak hours and 20 minutes during off-peak hours. He believed this route would garner high enthusiasm from the community and aimed to serve up to 3,000 passengers daily.

The opening of several new routes previously, such as Alam Sutera-Blok M, Bogor-Blok M, PIK 2-Blok M, had received a high response from the public. This aligned with the results of the TomTom Traffic Index Ranking survey, which shows a decline in Jakarta's congestion ranking from position 1 to position 5 in Indonesia.

"It means that what we plan with Transjabodetabek and improvements experience improvements (congestion)," he expressed.

Thus far, the five cities with the highest congestion in Indonesia were Bandung, Medan, Palembang, Surabaya, and Jakarta. So far, congestion in Jakarta has always ranked in the top 10 worldwide.

"So, it truly means that Jakarta sees an improvement in transportation," he explained.

He mentioned that the number of public transportation users in Jakarta has now increased significantly. While public transportation connectivity has reached 91 percent, it has not yet been used to its full potential.

Pramono also aimed for public transportation usage in Jakarta to reach over 31 percent by the end of this year, thereby helping to solve the congestion problem in Jakarta.

Meanwhile, Bekasi Mayor, Tri Adhianto, welcomed the arrival of Transjabodetabek route B25. He stated, the operation of this new route via Becakayu toll road is a cost-effective public transportation solution for the people of Bekasi heading to Jakarta city center.

"Because we know that this toll is also a very premium toll. Because for private vehicles, if I'm not mistaken, it's around Rp 24,000. So, a round trip would be Rp 48,000," he explained.

He hoped that this route would eventually pass through activity centers in Bekasi, such as Galaksi. Transjabodetabek B25 route has a travel time of about one hour and 10 minutes during peak hours.

"But, if perhaps the strategic projects have been reduced or are no longer ongoing, finished, then there might be a decrease (in travel time)," he added.

To support the Transjabodetabek service and provide convenience for residents, the Bekasi City Government would also prepare park and ride facilities at several shopping centers around the Bekasi City center.

He also hoped that this route could eventually be integrated with park and ride facilities and apartment complexes located at Jakarta border. This route was expected to serve as an alternative for residents who usually use the train.

"Thank you again to the Governor and his team who continue to provide ease and accessibility for the people of Bekasi City," he added.

This Transjabodetabek route has a travel distance of 53 kilometers. Additionally, it will pass through 29 bus stops, with 18 stops in Jakarta and 11 in Bekasi. The service fare from 5 AM to 7 AM is Rp 2,000, while from 7 AM to 10 PM by Rp 3,500.