On the fifth day of Lebaran, the atmosphere at the South Sumatra LRT station is still crowded. Based on field observations, public interest in using the South Sumatra LRT to travel has increased. Especially at several central stations that look crowded. Such as Asrama Haji Station, Bumi Sriwijaya Station, Ampera Station, and DJKA Station.  

Ahmad Sugiharto, one of the passengers, explained that he has been using the LRT for the past 2 years. He usually uses it to travel from DJKA to Bumi Sriwijaya to meet his relatives. "There are no obstacles, such as traffic jams, on time, and very affordable prices. Very comfortable," he said.

Based on previous experience, passengers begin to accumulate during H+2 to H+5 Lebaran. "I usually choose the morning and afternoon to travel. It's less crowded. Try the afternoon, it will be crowded," she added. Still, he appreciated the South Sumatra LRT officials who continued to act quickly to deal with the problems that occurred," he said.

Head of the South Sumatra Light Railway Management Center (BPKARSS) Rode Paulus said when monitoring the station, yesterday, 14 April 2024, that the train facilities did look crowded. Many passengers were forced to stand. "We are aware of this high interest. So it is necessary to act quickly when people need help. There are already officers on guard," he explained.

He explained that the surge occurred due to several things. Among others, the movement of people to stay in touch, visits to shopping malls for vacations, and the use of South Sumatra LRT as a means to return home.

This year's increase, he said, was indeed quite high compared to the previous year. In 2023, starting from H-7 to H+3 Lebaran, the number of passengers reached 149,987 people. Meanwhile, this year it penetrated 155,076 passengers. " Up 1 percent. And we think it's not over yet. Data on Sunday, 14 April 2024.

This year's increase, he said, was indeed quite high compared to the previous year. In 2023, starting from H-7 to H+3 Lebaran, the number of passengers reached 149.987 people. Meanwhile, this year it penetrated 155.076 passengers. "Up 1 percent. And we think it's not over yet. Data on Sunday, 14 April 2024 at 2 pm, passengers have reached 13.332 people. It looks like today is the peak," Rode said.

He said he was quite pleased with the increase in passengers. It shows that people are starting to get excited about using the LRT to travel. "Since it was predicted from the beginning that there would be a surge, we also added a trainset to accommodate public travel," he said.

The 7th trainset operation was carried out on 11-14 April 2024 with schedule details from 10:35-17:53. "The train service from the DJKA-Airport junction will continue to start at 05:06 and end with the last train at 19:50. While the Airport-DJKA crossing, starts at 06:00 for the first train and the last at 19:55," he said. In total, there are 8 additional trips. From the original 94, to 102 trips / day

Rode hopes that during this Lebaran moment, people can still be orderly in the use of transportation. "It is necessary to follow the service signs and read the train information board. So as not to miss the train or go to the wrong platform," he said. In the future, he ensures the improvement of officer services, facilities, infrastructure, and train operations. "Because the South Sumatra LRT has become the backbone of transportation in South Sumatra in general and Palembang in particular," he said.