"We are ready to integrate the LRT service with Musi River's ferry boats," Head of the South Sumatra Transportation Office Nelson Firdaus stated in Palembang on Thursday.
Firdaus chose to not expound on the roadmap of this LRT-ferry boat connectivity program, though adding that it will be in line with the Transportation Ministry's Musi River Lane Revitalization Program.
The targeted area of this ministry's program will be the Ilir Pier 16, located under Ampera Bridge, wherein a skybridge will connect the LRT station with the Ilir Pier 16 serving as a transit point for users of the Musi River ferry service.
Firdaus expressed optimism that more passengers would use this integrated LRT and ferry service to reach their destinations around Palembang and its outskirts.
According to media reports, Palembang's residents have constantly been encouraged to use the city's public transportation modes, including LRT, which had been integrated with the Damri and Trans Musi buses since Feb 22, 2019.
To increase the number of passengers, the LRT service has, until now, offered 52 daily trips to the city's residents, from 4:48 a.m. to 8:32 p.m. local time.
The Committee for Acceleration of Priority Infrastructure Delivery (KPPIP) stated that Palembang's LRT had 13 stations spreading from the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport to the Jakabaring Sports City.
During the convening of the 2018 Asian Games, this LRT service supported the mobility of this multi-sports event's enthusiasts.
According to KPPIP's official website, this committee had estimated that the capital city of South Sumatra Province had a population totaling some two million in 2018.
In response to Palembang's rising population, the government has initiated the development of LRT to support the mobility of the city's residents through modes of public transportation without being hindered by the forecasted increase in traffic congestion in the city. Related news: PT KAI to conduct trial of Palembang's LRT, cut travel time
Related news: Minister allocates Rp300 billion to subsidize rate of LRT Palembang
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Ujang Idrus, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
