Farmers and Traders Train Serves 17,867 Passengers in 2026, Making Produce Distribution Easier and Faster

At a number of stations along the Rangkasbitung–Merak line, the day often begins before sunrise. Farmers and traders arrive carrying sacks of harvested produce destined for the market. There are chilies, onions, tomatoes, and various vegetables picked from gardens the day before so they remain fresh upon arrival at their destination.

The train running along this track has become a vital part of community life. Alongside the journey, harvested crops move toward the market, carrying hopes that produce will sell quickly and the income brought home can support family needs—from children's school fees and kitchen groceries to keeping small businesses running day after day.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that during the period from January 1 to May 11, 2026, the Farmers and Traders Train (*Kereta Petani dan Pedagang*) service accommodated a total of 17,867 passengers on the Merak–Rangkasbitung line.

KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that this service represents an effort to provide transportation that aligns closely with the needs of everyday people, particularly farmers and traditional market traders.

"For small farmers and traders, a difference in travel costs is immensely meaningful. When distribution costs are lighter, they can bring more harvested crops, keep their businesses running, and maintain an income for their families," said Anne.

The Farmers and Traders Train began operating on December 1, 2025, with a fare of Rp3,000 per trip under the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme. This policy helps the public gain access to affordable transportation to support their daily economic activities.

The train serves the round-trip Merak–Rangkasbitung route daily with a total of 14 trips, comprising 7 departures from Merak and 7 departures from Rangkasbitung.

According to Anne, the existence of this service helps accelerate the distribution of agricultural commodities to markets, enabling produce to arrive in fresher condition and command a better selling price.

"When food distribution runs smoothly, the benefits are felt by many. Farmers are assisted in transporting garden produce, traders can more easily maintain trade supplies, and the public gets fresher food produce at the market," Anne explained.

To utilize this service, farmers and traders register at station ticket counters using their national identity card KTP to obtain a dedicated customer card.

KAI has also tailored train facilities to match the needs of customers carrying agricultural produce and market goods. Trains are equipped with longitudinal side-seating for 73 passengers, wider doors, and dedicated cargo storage areas to make boarding and alighting easier.

Anne added that the service demonstrates how public transportation can directly connect with everyday community life, ranging from agricultural activities to the economic turnover of traditional markets.

"On every trip of this train, there are crops tended with hard work over months. There are traders departing at dawn to keep their businesses alive. As travel becomes lighter and distribution runs smoother, the community can feel benefits that are closely tied to their daily lives," Anne concluded.

VP Corporate Communication KAI