Farmer and Trader Train Serves 11,428 Passengers on Merak Route
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that from the start of operations on December 1, 2025, through February 17, 2026, the Farmers and Traders Train (Kereta Petani dan Pedagang) served 11,428 passengers boarding and alighting along the Merak Commuter Line route. This figure demonstrates consistent service utilization over more than two months of operation.
The highest passenger movement was recorded at Cikeusal Station, with 3,730 boarding passengers and 3,511 alighting passengers. These data highlight Cikeusal's role as a major distribution hub for local commodities, particularly agricultural produce, processed food, and handicraft products marketed toward Serang, Cilegon, and Merak.
The Farmers and Traders Train is the result of rolling stock modifications carried out entirely by the Surabaya Gubeng Railway Workshop (Balai Yasa). The process included reconfiguring the interior, arranging designated and orderly baggage spaces, enhancing safety features, and adjusting boarding access at several stations. The work was completed by internal technical teams to accommodate users carrying specific volumes of commercial goods.
Technically, the train offers 73 seats alongside dedicated baggage areas and operates 14 daily trips, comprising 7 Merak–Rangkasbitung trips and 7 Rangkasbitung–Merak trips serving 11 stations. Each passenger is permitted to bring a maximum of two baggage units measuring 100 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm to maintain order throughout the journey.
This service is a collaboration between KAI Group and the Directorate General of Railways under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme. Travel fares are set at Rp3,000, equivalent to standard commuter line fares, ensuring affordability for smallholder farmers and traders who rely on rail transport to distribute their products.
Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that the modifications carried out by Balai Yasa Surabaya Gubeng demonstrate the readiness of maintenance facilities to deliver tailored services that meet community needs.
"KAI will continue to conduct operational evaluations and coordination based on travel data and customer feedback to maintain service quality along the Merak line," Anne concluded.
VP Corporate Communication KAI