They can’t make free rides work, but you can take the LRT Jabodebek for just IDR1 during July-August soft launch period

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Jabodebek, which connects Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Bekasi, will commence with a soft launch on July 12. During this period, which will last until Aug. 15, passengers can enjoy the LRT service for only IDR1 (US$0.000067) per trip.

That is exactly IDR1 more than what we were told several weeks ago. Previously, an official said that we would be entitled to one month of free rides on the LRT Jabodebek during its soft launch period.

That’s because, according to LRT Jabodebek spokesman Kuswardojo, the ticket gates would not be able to log passengers if they weren’t charged a fare.

“That’s why we decided on the IDR1 fare, so we can see if the system we’ve built works or not,” Kuswardojo said today.

The LRT Jabodebek is expected to operate commercially on Aug. 18. The soft launching is aimed to test the readiness of the LRT system and facilities, as well as to introduce the public to the new mode of transportation.

Kuswardojo added that the soft launching will be limited to 150 passengers per route per day. The passengers will be selected from online registration, which will open on July 10.

The registration link will be available on LRT Jabodebek’s official Instagram account (@lrtjabodebek). The passengers will need to provide their personal data and choose their preferred date and route.

The LRT Jabodebek has three routes: Cawang-Cibubur (13.7 km), Cawang-Bekasi Timur (18.5 km), and Cawang-Dukuh Atas (9.3 km). The LRT service will cover a total of 18 stations along these routes.

LRT Jabodebek will accept cashless payments, using electronic money cards or multi-trip cards. 

The LRT Jabodebek is a joint project between the central government and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). The project aims to provide a fast, comfortable, and affordable transportation option for the people in the Greater Jakarta Area, minus Tangerang.

LRT Jabodebek is not to be confused with LRT Jakarta, the latter of which primarily serves East Jakarta and is detached from Jakarta’s wider railway network.