TEMPO.CO, Palembang - The series of Light Rail Transit (LRT) South Sumatra in Palembang was officially tested for public passengers. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) as the operator has set up six units of stations from Jakabaring to the Airport.
Aida Suryanti, PR Manager of PT KAI regional division III in Palembang explained that during the trial period only two series will be operated. “Two trainsets will be used during the trial period,” she said, Tuesday, July 24.
LRT South Sumatra started the full trial on yesterday until July 31. The six stations include Airport, Bumi Sriwijaya, Cinde, Ampera, Jakabaring and DJAKA stations.
The trial is intended for the passengers ranging from the general public, civil servants, military and police officers in Palembang. During the trial period, they are required to learn how to use the LRT. It is necessary because the operation is different from public transportation such as buses and city transportation.
Meanwhile, South Sumatra Regional Secretary Nasrun Umar said the free trial as socialization in introducing ways to use mass transit. After the trial, the LRT will be used as the official transport of the Asian Games for both athletes and officials and the public. “This trial as a means of socializing how to be the LRT passengers,” she said.
The route of LRT trial will pass from OPI Mall Station in Jakabaring area to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport Station, then to OPI Mall Station. The distance is more than 22 kilometers by crossing 13 stations. The Regional Secretary of South Sumatra Nasrun Umar said that LRT is the first history in South Sumatra, especially for Palembang that conducts the trial.
PARLIZA HENDRAWAN
