35,843 Customers Choose the Farmers and Traders Train, Making Travel Easier and Local Economies Stronger
Easier mobility does more than make travel convenient—it also creates greater opportunities for communities to grow their businesses. Through the Farmers and Traders Train on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route and the dedicated space provided on the Cikuray Train operating between Garut and Pasarsenen, KAI continues to deliver transportation services that support local economic activities while expanding access to key trading and commercial centers.
To date, the service has been used by 35,843 customers. This includes 35,661 customers on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route since its launch on 1 December 2025 through 29 July 2026, as well as 182 customers on the Cikuray Train between 11 June and 26 July 2026.
Between 1 January and 29 July 2026 alone, the Farmers and Traders Train on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route served 31,546 customers, reflecting the growing demand for practical, affordable, and reliable transportation that supports everyday business activities.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba said the service is designed to help customers transport agricultural products, food supplies, home industry goods, and merchandise to markets and commercial hubs more easily and efficiently.
Every journey carries a story of hard work and family livelihoods. There are harvests waiting to be sold, merchandise heading to market, and hopes of keeping small businesses growing.
The Farmers and Traders Train on the Rangkasbitung–Merak route is available for only Rp3,000 per trip, while the longest Garut–Pasarsenen journey on the Cikuray Train is priced at Rp45,000, making rail travel an affordable option for many communities.
These affordable fares are supported by the Government through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme, ensuring that safe, reliable, and scheduled transportation remains accessible to people from all economic backgrounds.
KAI appreciates the Government's commitment to supporting community mobility, particularly for those whose daily activities contribute to local economic growth. Through the PSO program, rail transportation serves not only as a means of travel but also as a vital connection to markets, workplaces, educational institutions, and sources of livelihood.
Government support through the PSO program has a significant impact on communities. Affordable fares help farmers, traders, workers, students, and small business owners manage their travel expenses more efficiently.
For farmers and traders, lower transportation costs create tangible business benefits. Savings on travel expenses can be redirected toward purchasing raw materials, expanding business capital, improving product quality, or supporting household needs.
On the Rangkasbitung–Merak route, the service connects residential areas, production centers, traditional markets, and major economic hubs across Banten. Meanwhile, the dedicated space on the Cikuray Train extends these benefits by connecting Garut with destinations across West Java and Jakarta.
The service also provides designated space for customers carrying goods in accordance with applicable regulations, making journeys more organized, safer, and more comfortable for everyone on board.
For customers transporting agricultural products and food commodities, reliable train schedules offer additional economic value. Predictable departure and arrival times help them estimate market arrival times while maintaining the freshness and quality of their products.
Traveling by train also reduces the need to transfer between multiple modes of transportation, lowering additional travel costs, minimizing physical effort, and reducing the risk of product damage during the journey.
Anne added that the service also benefits communities along the railway corridor. Passenger activities contribute to local economic circulation, supporting connecting transport services, food stalls, traditional markets, and many other small businesses around stations.
The Farmers and Traders Train demonstrates how Government policies and KAI's services work hand in hand to support community-based economic growth. KAI will continue improving this service so its benefits become even broader and remain relevant to customers' needs.