26,074 Journeys and Counting! The Farmers & Traders Train Continues to Be a Top Choice on the Rangkasbitung–Merak Route
The Farmers & Traders Train continues to strengthen its role as a reliable travel companion for communities along the Rangkasbitung–Merak route. Since its launch on December 1, 2025, the service has welcomed 30,189 passengers, supporting the daily mobility of farmers, traders, and local residents who rely on rail transportation for work and business.
During the first half of 2026, the service carried 26,074 passengers, following an encouraging start with 4,115 passengers during its first month of operation in December 2025. The growing numbers highlight increasing public confidence in a service designed to make everyday travel easier, safer, and more convenient.
As part of its commitment to delivering transportation that truly meets community needs, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) introduced the Farmers & Traders Train to accommodate passengers traveling with agricultural products, merchandise, and small-business supplies.
Anne Purba, Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, said the service was created in response to the real transportation needs of local communities.
The Farmers & Traders Train was developed based on the everyday needs of the people. Along the Rangkasbitung–Merak route, many passengers travel by train to work, trade, transport agricultural products, and support their families. KAI wants to ensure their journeys are more organized, comfortable, and above all, safe.
The train itself is a product of innovation by Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng, where existing rolling stock was modified to better accommodate passengers carrying productive goods such as crops, merchandise, and equipment for small businesses.
Beyond improving mobility, the service also creates meaningful economic benefits. Farmers can transport their harvests more efficiently, traders gain affordable access to markets, and local communities enjoy transportation that better supports their daily livelihoods.
"Behind every passenger number is a story of people leaving home early in the morning with harvests, merchandise, and hopes for their families. That's why we see this service as part of rail transport's contribution to strengthening local economies," Anne added.
Alongside the Farmers & Traders Train, the Rangkasbitung–Merak Local Train continues to serve as a key transportation corridor in Banten, connecting communities with Merak Station and providing seamless access to ferry services bound for Sumatra.
Its strategic role makes the local train a preferred choice for commuting to work, school, markets, public services, and inter-island travel.
Passenger demand has continued to grow in recent years. The service carried 3.62 million passengers in 2023, increased to 4.27 million in 2024, and reached 4.46 million in 2025—an overall growth of 23.39% within two years.
The positive trend has continued into 2026. Between January and June, the Rangkasbitung–Merak Local Train served 2.41 million passengers, an increase of 9.40% compared with the same period last year.
According to Anne, the continued growth reflects how rail transportation has become an essential part of everyday life in Banten.
For KAI, the Rangkasbitung–Merak corridor holds strong social, economic, and connectivity value. The increasing number of local train passengers, together with the Farmers & Traders Train, demonstrates how rail services have become deeply integrated into the daily lives of the community.
Looking ahead, KAI remains committed to providing transportation that is safe, affordable, comfortable, and increasingly relevant to the needs of the communities it serves, while continuing to support regional connectivity and economic growth.
We sincerely appreciate our customers for continuing to travel responsibly by train. KAI will keep listening to the needs of the community so that our services remain relevant to their journeys, livelihoods, connectivity, and everyday lives.