TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta’s bus network operator PT Transportasi Jakarta or Transjakarta launched a new service to replace public minivans or angkot feeder Mikrotrans.

The new angkot, dubbed The All-New Mikrotrans, will be on trial for six months, serving the Tanah Abang-Kota route.

“This is a reward from the Jakarta government and PT Transjakarta for loyal customers of public transport in Jakarta. We can now enjoy the new service, The All-New Mikrotrans, an advanced-version of Mikrotrans Jak Lingko,” said the firm’s director of service, Achmad Izul Waro, at the company central office, Cawang, Friday, September 4.

During the trial period from September 4, 2020, until March 2021, only one unit of minivan Toyota Hiace will be operated in the JAK10 Tanah Abang-Kota route with 78 bus stops.

Compared to the previous fleet, the new service will be far more convenient as it is equipped with air conditioning (AC), automatic sliding doors, a big screen TV, a CCTV, and can carry up to 15 passengers. Yet amid the pandemic, it will be limited to 50 percent capacity or a maximum of 7 people.

Achmad hoped the All-New Mikrotrans could attract all Jakartans, particularly those using private vehicles, to switch to public transportation.

Read: Transjakarta Provides 100 Buses to Serve 4 Non-BRT Routes

JULI HANTORO