Palembang – In an effort to improve public service, South Sumatra LRT has announced an increase in the number of trips on weekends. Starting on Saturday, 9 November 2024, the number of LRT Sumsel departures will be raised from 92 trips on weekdays to 102 trips specifically on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). This addition is being made to meet the growing demand for transportation during holidays and weekends.

Rode Paulus G.P., Head of the South Sumatra Light Railway Management Centre, explained that the additional trips will concentrate on high-traffic times, particularly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. "We have noticed a significant increase in mobility on weekends, particularly between midday and afternoon hours. The additional trips are expected to improve comfort and reduce waiting times for passengers at the stations,” he said.

Regular Operating Schedule, Enhanced Facilities

Despite the added trips, South Sumatra LRT will continue to operate according to its regular schedule, from 5:00 AM to 8:43 PM. All stations, from DJKA Station to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Station, will remain open with an updated schedule for the weekend.

“This increase in trips does not change the operational hours of the LRT. However, with the new schedule, trains will operate more frequently, especially during the day, giving the community greater flexibility,” added Rode Paulus.

The increased frequency of trips will benefit passengers who use the LRT for a variety of purposes, including tourism, shopping, and spending time with family. This is also expected to encourage more people to take public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Reason for Increasing Trips

The decision to add more trips was made after evaluating and analyzing the number of passengers on weekends. According to the South Sumatra Light Railway Management Centre, passenger surges typically occur between midday and afternoon due to various public activities that take place during this time.

"The addition of trips is in response to passenger demand." We want to ensure that the LRT remains the preferred choice for the community, both on weekdays and weekends,” said Rode Paulus.

Enhancing Passenger Comfort

In addition to increasing the number of trips, the South Sumatra Light Railway Management Centre is working to improve service quality for passengers. Several steps have been taken, including routine fleet maintenance, upgrades to station facilities, and increased integration with other modes of transportation.

Support for Tourism and Local Economy

The increased number of weekend trips is expected to benefit Palembang's tourism and local economy. With easy access to destinations such as Jakabaring Sport City, shopping malls, and other tourist attractions, the LRT has become a popular mode of transportation for both locals and visitors from out of town.

"With better service, we want South Sumatra LRT to be more than just a transportation tool, but also a key contributor to the growth of tourism and the regional economy," said Rode Paulus.

Ongoing Commitment

As one of Indonesia's modern transportation systems, South Sumatra LRT remains committed to providing the best possible service to the public. The increase in weekend trips is a concrete step toward improving service capacity while also encouraging the community to use public transportation.

“The success of the LRT is not only determined by our management but also by the support of the public. We hope this step can further build public confidence in mass transit,” concluded Rode Paulus.

With this increase in trips, the people of Palembang now have a more flexible, comfortable, and efficient transportation option to accompany their weekend activities.