TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Transportation Society's (MTI) chairman of the railway division, Aditya Dwi Laksana, predicted that the current high number of passengers on the Whoosh high-speed train would not last long. He attributed this to the promotional fare and the introduction period of the bullet train.

“After the next three months and when the fare returns to normal, people's enthusiasm may wane,” Aditya told Tempo over the phone on Monday, October 23, 2023.

Based on the latest data from PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China or KCIC, the number of Whoosh passengers reached 23,439 on the weekend, October 21-22. Specifically, there were 11,330 passengers on Saturday with an occupancy rate of 86 percent, and 12,109 passengers on Sunday with 92 percent occupancy. The average occupancy rate was 90 percent.

This introduction period, Aditya argued, is such a challenge for PT KCIC to create a captive market, as people take the train for personal experiences rather than routine purposes, while it needs regular ones.

He also likened it to MRT Jakarta. During the initial period of commercial operation in March-June 2019, MRT Jakarta served a lot of passengers. After three months, in July-September 2019, the number decreased.

“It's a bit different from the LRT Jabodebek which has a relatively more stable [number of passengers. This is because it is in line with community needs,” Aditya opined.

At present, PT KCIC offers a promotional fare of Rp150,000 for all Whoosh routes including feeder trains, which is valid for departures from October 18 to November 30, 2023.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

Editor's Choice: 31,000 Whoosh High-Speed Train Tickets Sold, Occupancy Rate 96%

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News