Padang - Currently, the Minangkabau Ekspres Train (KA Mineks) is the preferred mode of transport for students from several universities in West Sumatra, including Andalas University (Unand), as it provides a route from Pauh Lima Station in Padang to Naras Station in Pariaman Utara.

"Previously, the Pariaman Ekspres train only served the public from Padang station to Pariaman station. However, since last year, the Minangkabau Ekspres has been able to serve passengers from Pauh Lima to Naras," said Hendrialdi, head of the Class II Railway Technical Centre (BTP) Padang, in his statement.

According to him, the train, formerly known as Sibinuang, has become a mainstay for Unand students because Pauh Lima station is close to Sumatra's first university campus.

"What's more, Unand students don't just come from Padang; many come from outside the city, including Pariaman, so they can easily travel from home to campus and back again every day," he added.

In addition to making commuting easier for students, KA Mineks is also popular because of its affordable ticket prices. A one-way ticket on Mineks costs only IDR 5.000, which is much cheaper compared to other transport options.

"Moreover, travelling by train is more reliable because the train runs on a fixed schedule according to the Grafik Perjalanan (Gapeka), so students don't have to worry about being late," he continued.

Apart from Unand students, Mineks is also a popular mode of transport for students from the University of Negeri Padang (UNP), as the train stops at Air Tawar station, which is close to the UNP campus.

"Currently, the demand for the Minangkabau Ekspres train has increased significantly. It's not only busy on weekends, but even on weekdays the train is full of passengers. For this reason, we plan to add more Mineks trips next year to provide better service to the public," he concluded.

Public Relations, Padang Railway Technical Centre