Smartcitizen, you must already know that Jakarta is not only a place of mobility for residents who live in it but also a center of mobility for residents from surrounding areas who do their activity in Jakarta. This makes the intensity of motorized vehicles going back and forth in Jakarta very high. These motorized vehicles produce air pollution because they emit emissions that harm the environment and health. Therefore, to create good mobility for its citizens and become a smart city in terms of mobility (Smart Mobility), Jakarta does not only focus on ordinary mass transportation, but also mass transportation that is sustainable and does not have a bad impact on the environment.

In its struggle to improve facilities related to people's mobilities, Jakarta is trying to add new modes of transportation, repair stations, revitalize sidewalks for pedestrians, and develop the JakLingko system that integrates intermodal transportation payment in Jakarta. However, that is not enough. Smart Mobility must also be intertwined with Smart Environment, to deliver sustainable mass transportation. Therefore, Jakarta is now also trying to optimize the use of electric power in mass transportation, so that it is beneficial for the environment and the health of the citizens.

Benefits of Electric Public Transportation

Smartcitizen, mobility by public transportation can indeed reduce congestion. So, what would happen if public transportation was driven by electric power? That way, users of public transportation will not only help reduce congestion but also help reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in Jakarta.

How come? This is because electric-powered public transportation is a vehicle that is free from carbon emissions, so it can reduce air pollution. In contrast to motorized vehicles in general, which emit pollutants, due to the use of fossil fuels.

With more and more electric-powered public transportation and less use of private motorized vehicles, congestion in Jakarta will be eased and the air in Jakarta will be cleaner.  

Jakarta Electric Transportation Mode 

The presence of electric-powered transportation in Jakarta is actually familiar in our heads.  You may already know the Electric Rail Train (KRL) which is always crowded every day.  KRL or Commuter Line generally has 8-10 circuits with a capacity of two thousand passengers.  This train gets the flow of electricity from the top of the train.

Both modes of mass rail transportation that are powered by electricity, MRT (Mass Rapid Transportation) and LRT (Light Rail Transportation) are present in Jakarta as a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to public transportation.  Similar to KRL, MRT also moves with the flow of electrical resources from the top of the train.  The MRT has 6 series with a capacity of 1200-1950 thousand passengers.  The MRT runs on elevated and underground lines.

In addition to KRL and MRT, there is an LRT with an elevated track structure and has 2-4 circuits with a capacity of 600 passengers.  However, unlike the MRT and KRL, the LRT's power source is supplied from the Downstream Electricity (LAB), so there is a third rail underneath that has electricity or commonly called the Third Rail.

This electric-powered mass transportation, which is controlled by rail-based transportation, will now meet its new bus-based friend, the Transjakarta electric bus.  The electric bus that will operate in the city of Jakarta is ready to steal the attention of Jakartans. 

Welcoming the Electric Bus in Jakarta

On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 30 Transjakarta electric buses were officially launched to serve the Jakartan  After a long process of testing, now the Transjakarta electric bus is ready to pass through Jakarta with its engine that is minimal in noise and free of pollution.  Besides being environmentally friendly, this bus has a long battery life with relatively cheaper maintenance costs. You also don't need to doubt its comfort because this bus is equipped with air conditioning and is disability friendly.

You can already try this electric bus in Jakarta during operating hours starting from 06.00-21.00 WIB on 4 routes, those are Senen-Bundaran Senayan (1P), Tanah Abang-Terminal Senen (1R), Blok M-Tanah Abang (1N), dan Ragunan-Blok M (6N). So, which route would you like to try first?

From Gray Sky to Blue Sky

If you have seen Jakarta that is dull and gray due to pollution, get ready to see the new face of Jakarta with blue skies.  This will only happen if more and more people use environmentally friendly public transportation and reduce the use of motorized vehicles.  Don't let it just be wishful thinking.  Let’s take part in the Jakarta blue sky movement by using various alternative electric-powered public transportation to move around in Jakarta!