JAKARTA. State-run train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) says that it transported 280 million passengers throughout 2014, up by 24 percent from the previous year.

In addition to that, the company said that it saw similar growth in freight volumes, which rose by 24 percent to 32 million tons in 2014.

KAI president director Edi Sukmoro said that the double-digit growth of its business could not be separated from the company’s commitment and consistency in developing its services and businesses.

Beginning in July 2014, KAI sold tickets not only through its official website and in Indomaret minimarkets, but also in post offices and branches of the state-owned pawn shop, Pegadaian, across the archipelago.

“Our consistency in improving our services through innovation, including how we sell our tickets nowadays, has helped strengthen our business,” Edi said in Jakarta on Wednesday on the sidelines of the “Overview PT KAI 2014”.

He also said that KAI had launched its mobile application, KAI Access, in September 2014, which helped passengers get access to any information regarding KAI, such as the train schedule or how to buy tickets online.

Moreover, the company launched a number of new trains, connecting more cities across Java, such as the KA Siliwangi, which connects Sukabumi and Cianjur in West Java, the KA Sidomukti, which connects Surakarta in Central Java and Yogyakarta, and the KA Sarangan Ekspress that links Surabaya and Madiun in East Java.

Editor: Hendra Gunawan