Leave Your Private Vehicle at Home, It’s Time to Travel Home by Train
Trains remain one of the public’s favorite transportation choices for traveling during national holidays. For the 2023 Eid homecoming season, KAI has prepared more than 3 million Long-Distance Train tickets that can be used by the public for their Eid holiday journeys.
KAI Vice President of Public Relations Joni Martinus said that based on KAI’s monitoring on 1 April 2023 at 08:00, ticket sales for several trains during the 2023 Eid Transportation period had reached 100% occupancy. These included Airlangga Train (Pasar Senen – Surabaya Pasarturi round trip), Additional Pasundan Train (Kiaracondong – Surabaya Gubeng round trip), Sri Tanjung Train (Lempuyangan – Ketapang round trip), Kahuripan Train (Kiaracondong – Blitar round trip), Bengawan Train (Pasar Senen – Purwosari round trip), and Rajabasa Train (Kertapati – Tanjungkarang round trip).
This popularity is not without reason. Compared with private vehicles or other modes of transportation, trains are more economical and efficient. In addition, trains offer various other advantages that make them an ideal choice for the Eid homecoming journey. Here are some of the benefits of traveling by train.
1. Prioritizing Safety
Passengers do not need to worry during their homecoming journey by train, as KAI ensures travel safety until customers arrive at their destinations. In preparation for the 2023 Eid Transportation period, KAI and railway stakeholders conducted inspections across various areas in Java from 6–8 March. These inspections aimed to ensure the readiness of facilities and infrastructure, station facilities, human resources, and other supporting aspects.
Locomotives, trains, railway tracks, bridges, tunnels, and signaling systems were also inspected to ensure they were reliable and ready for operation.
In addition, KAI will deploy additional track inspection officers, extra railway crossing guards, and additional personnel at vulnerable area posts. KAI has also prepared a crisis management strategy called AMUS (Alat, Material, Untuk Siaga). This strategy includes preparing dedicated field teams as well as placing equipment and materials at strategic locations along railway routes to ensure quick repairs can be carried out during emergencies.
2. Healthy and Comfortable
Although the COVID-19 situation has improved, KAI continues implementing health protocols to ensure passengers have a healthy, safe, and comfortable homecoming journey by requiring customers to have received their third vaccination dose (booster). This follows the Ministry of Transportation Circular Letter No. 84 of 2022 and the Ministry of Health Circular Letter No. HK.02.02/II/3984/2022, effective since 19 December 2022.
"KAI remains committed to following government regulations in providing healthy transportation services for all customers, both at stations and throughout their journeys," said Joni.
3. Punctuality
Punctuality is one of the benefits most frequently experienced by train passengers. Trains are a transportation mode free from road congestion and provide reliable schedules, helping customers reach their families and relatives faster. Currently, KAI’s on-time performance reaches 99.6%.
KAI continues to gradually improve train travel times through infrastructure upgrades. As a result, trains can now reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. Despite increased speeds, passenger safety remains the top priority.
4. Accessibility
KAI’s stations serve many cities, regencies, and districts, including areas that may not be accessible by other transportation modes. Many stations also provide convenient access with locations directly connected to city centers.
5. Stress-Free Travel
One of the advantages of traveling by train is the beautiful scenery along the routes, including forests, mountains, rice fields, rivers, bridges, tunnels, and even beaches. Customers can choose train classes according to their needs, including Economy, Business, Executive, Luxury, and Panoramic services.
Passengers also do not need to worry about their smartphone batteries running out, as power outlets are available at each seat. For customers who enjoy culinary experiences, onboard train meals provide fresh and enjoyable dining options. Traveling by train offers an enjoyable experience without boredom or stress.
KAI continues improving its services and adapting to customer needs through various innovations, especially during the 2023 Eid Transportation period. Additional facilities provided include complimentary iftar snacks (takjil), drinking water stations, reading corners at several stations, and door prizes and merchandise for children. These efforts are aimed at creating a more memorable and enjoyable homecoming experience for the public.
Joni encourages customers to plan their journeys carefully as Eid Transportation period tickets are still available. If desired tickets are sold out, customers can choose alternative dates or use the Connecting Train feature in the KAI Access application, which provides travel options by combining connecting train schedules.
"KAI is committed to ensuring all train journeys during the 2023 Eid Transportation period are carried out safely, comfortably, securely, and healthily until passengers reach their destinations," Joni concluded.
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