Transportation Minister Approves Shuttle Bus Operation for Anticipating Congestion at Bali's Airport

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi approved a short-term plan of operating shuttle buses to anticipate congestion in routes connecting the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali Province, with local activity centers.

"Plenty of buses will commence operations on January 2, 2024. We have agreed to operate the shuttle buses that accommodate people from the airport to the regions of Nusa Dua, Kuta, Legian, and Canggu," he remarked after a coordination meeting in Badung District, Bali, on Sunday.

He noted that 31 Trans Metro Dewata buses are ready to operate to deal with traffic congestion along the routes to and from the airport.

The short-term plan surfaced following a heavy flow of vehicles in the area on Friday (December 29), leaving the airport's customers stuck in traffic.

"It is important to disseminate information on this plan. I want the airport's authority, Bali Police chief, and Bali governor to inform people and airlines that the shuttle buses will start operating on January 2," Sumadi pointed out.

The minister went on to say that the government had prepared mid-term and long-term plans in addition to the short-term one. The airport operator will conduct repairs as a mid-term measure, he said.

According to him, the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry will assist the operator by constructing a flyover, adding more entry and exit routes, as well as expanding parking area.

"There will be a flyover. We will coordinate with the PUPR Ministry to make dedicated routes to connect (the airport) with activity centers, including Canggu," he stated.

As for the long-term plan, Sumadi remarked that he had been maintaining coordination with relevant stakeholders to execute the development of a light rail transit (LRT) system in Bali, as instructed by President Joko Widodo.

"Two weeks ago, I came here to push for an immediate construction of LRT. God Willing, we will launch the construction process next year," he said.

Meanwhile, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Ida Bagus Kd Putra Narendra affirmed that the police would take part in succeeding the operations of the planned shuttle buses.

"If necessary, we will dispatch personnel to escort the buses to the airport," he stated.

ANTARA

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