Jakarta (ANTARA) -

Regional-owned enterprise PT Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Jakarta plans to conduct a study on expanding its service routes to South Tangerang, not by using the regional budget (APBD), but rather through a public-private partnership.

"We want to initiate a study or exploration of developing the routes without government funding, or at least using a KPBU scheme," Farchad Mahfud, Business Development Director of PT MRT Jakarta, stated here on Thursday.

He remarked that the route expansion is intended to help reduce inter-provincial congestion.

He explained that each province has several differences, including fiscal capacity and social characteristics.

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Therefore, an exploration with the South Tangerang city government is necessary. He expressed hope that the study would begin soon.

"There are several routes that have been studied by the Directorate General of Railways, but we are also currently reviewing several other routes with new development strategies that could further help improve service aspects," he revealed.

As previously reported, PT MRT Jakarta had discussed plans to expand its service routes with South Tangerang Mayor Airin Rachmi Diany, as well as the Jabodetabek Transportation Management Agency (BPTJ).

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the plan to expand MRT services to South Tangerang is still under discussion.

"Yes, we are currently discussing the expansion of the MRT service route. After the North routes, the South routes are now relatively complete, and the West and East routes have already begun. Therefore, expansion to South Tangerang is urgently needed," he remarked.

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