PALEMBANG - To enliven the LRT Fest on July 19, 2024, the South Sumatra Light Railway Management Center (BPKARSS), which manages the South Sumatra Light Rail Transit (LRT), has extended train operating hours. This step was taken to meet the transportation needs of thousands of spectators expected to attend the festival. 

Head of BPKARSS, Rode Paulus, said the additional operating hours start from 22:00-00:50 WIB. The information is from the airport, beginning at 22:0 WIB and ending at DJKA at 00:50 WIB. There will be two additional trains, making a total of six trips. "It's free, but only for LRT Fest spectators who have wristband tickets," he said. Visitors who take the LRT can continue their trip to the activity venue at Athletic Field 1, Jakabaring Sport City, via a feeder. "The goal is to make it easier for spectators to get to the venue. "They can use it to get to and from the event; everything is free," he explained. The train, he said, will operate until the early hours of the morning, considering that the concert is expected to end at 23:00 WIB. “Bernadya, Kunto Aji, and Tulus will all be performing. The main event is Tulus. It starts around 21:00 WIB or 22:00 WIB. So it has to end at night. "Spectators who want to go home can still take the LRT," he explained.

LRT Fest is expected to be a gathering place for people from various regions, particularly Palembang. The festival will include a variety of interesting activities, such as music concerts by local and national artists and culinary bazaars for the audience to sample during the event. "This is the third year that the LRT Festival has taken place. It was created to welcome the South Sumatra LRT anniversary, which falls on 23 July," he said. 

The LRT Fest event is expected to boost passenger capacity. High passenger loads, of course, are directly proportional to increased public awareness of using public transportation. Rode said the average daily passenger count through July was 13.818 people. "Surely it can increase again at the LRT Fest," he said.

Previously, BPKARSS had successfully organized the KRISS Run on Sunday, 14 July 2024. The event was an early part of the organization of LRT Fest, and 650 people participated in the activity. The target exceeded the initial target of 500 people. "We are pleased with the organization of the KRISS Run. Thank God it went well," he said.

Rode hopes that this step will attract more visitors and help LRT Fest become one of Indonesia's largest festivals. "We thank all South Sumatra LRT passengers for their support and cooperation. We are confident that LRT Fest will run and be a success thanks to the extended operating hours and free services," Rode stated.

He stated that with careful preparation and support from various parties, LRT Fest aims to provide an unforgettable experience for all South Sumatrans. In keeping with the LRT Fest theme of "Music Collaboration," BPKARSS invites the younger generation to enjoy music and entertainment together. "Therefore, the public is encouraged to use and maintain the South Sumatra LRT facilities, as well as to keep order during the event," he concluded.