Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT Invites Public Aboard for Trial
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Ahead of its official commercial launch, the LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading–Manggarai line will open its trial phase to the public to refine transit operations and optimize service delivery.
The trial is all about refining the experience
Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) Head Budi Awaluddin confirmed that the public trial follows joint coordination with the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA).
His agency is relying on public feedback to iron out any final kinks.
LRT Jakarta Kelapa Gading–Manggarai Inauguration Rescheduled“The trial is all about refining the experience. We want passengers to tell us what works and what needs improvement before official launch day," he expressed, Friday (9/11).
The trial run will unfold across three distinct stages.
Media and VIP guests get first access, followed by neighborhood residents, with the wider public joining last through an online sign-up portal.
"We're combining direct invitations with open web registration,” Budi explained.
It will run all week long, though city hall is keeping the official opening date under wraps for now.
His agency is zeroing in on gate sensors and ticketing systems. Passengers ride for free during the test run, but they still need to tap in and tap out with special trial cards to verify the tech works smoothly.
“We’re using these trial cards to make sure our ticketing setup is 100% ready for prime time," he added.
All tweaks recommended during initial DJKA safety runs have been ironed out, according to Budi.
This new LRT line aims to convince everyday drivers to leave their cars at home and take public transit instead.
Aside that, ticket prices for the new LRT route have not been set yet, but official details are coming soon.
“Our big hope is to see drivers leave their cars behind and choose public transit instead,” he hoped.
Jakpro's Technical and Development Director Robert Sarjoko stated that the LRT expansion includes complete streetscape upgrades beneath the elevated tracks.
The initiative features urban greening by the Parks and Forestry Agency alongside seamless walking routes to Manggarai Station—creating a direct link to the KRL Commuterline network.
To ensure smooth transfers, a pedestrian bridge is under construction and scheduled for completion this September.
“We are restoring and clearing the street level below while pushing to finish the pedestrian bridge by the end of the month,” he added.
