JAKARTA. Greater Jakarta commuter train operator PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek (PT KCJ) on Monday restarted service from Tanjung Priok Station in North Jakarta to Kota Station in West Jakarta for the first time since it was shut down in 1989.

Eva Chairunnisa, PT KCI communications manager, said on Monday that his company, in cooperation with the Transportation Ministry’s train directorate general, had managed to repair the needed infrastructure to operate the electric trains.

The 8.8-kilometer trip takes 20 minutes and each passenger is required to pay a Rp 2,000 (14 US cent) fare.

According to Eva, his company would operate six trips per day and would stop at three stations – Tanjung Priok, Kampung Bandan and Kota. “For the time being, the trains so not stop in Ancol Station [in North Jakarta] because the station is being renovated. The platforms are being extended,” she said as quoted by tempo.co.

The renovation work of the Tanjung Priok Station includes the improvement of ticket booths, e-ticketing gates, toilets and a prayer room.

Meanwhile, Railway Director General Hermanto Dwiatmoko said that the renovation of the station started in 2007.

In connection with a number of trips, Hermanto said the railway operator could add to the schedule if demand increases.  “We will monitor progress. If demand increases significantly, we can add trips,” he said. (bbn)(+)

Service schedule:

From Kota Station

1. KA 2318, departure, 11:40 a.m. 2. KA 2322, departure, 1:05 p.m. 3. KA 2326, departure, 2:25 p.m.

From Tanjung Priok: 4. KA 2319, departure, 12:30 p.m. 5. KA 2323, departure, 1:55 p.m. 6. KA 2331, departure, 4:30 p.m.

Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie