Historical records show that during the Dutch colonial era, trams plied in Semarang to support the mobility of its people
Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) - The Semarang city administration plans to build an Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) system to offer its residents with efficient mobility based on the rail-based public transportation mode’s reliability for this vibrant city.

For the implementation of the plan, the city government will forge collaboration with state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi informed journalists here on Saturday.

"The rail-based mode of public transportation is the most reliable for Semarang," he noted, adding that the ART system will meet the residents' demand for a comfortable and fast mode of public transportation and contribute to this vibrant city's tourism sector.

This ART system will later be designed to serve several routes in the city, such as the Pemuda and MT Haryono Roads as well as the Simpang Lima Intersection area.

It might also serve as an alternative route of Pedurungan in eastern Semarang while heading to the Ahmad Yani Airport, he stated.

Historical records show that during the Dutch colonial era, trams plied in Semarang to support the mobility of its people.

Sentient of the grave challenges of traffic congestion in various cities in Indonesia, the central and city governments are working hand-in-hand to offer comfortable and swift modes of public transportation, including city buses and trains, to the residents.

For instance, LRT facility has been available to the local residents of Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province, since 2018.

During the convening of the 2018 Asian Games, this LRT service had supported the mobility of enthusiasts in this multi-sports event.

According to the Committee for Acceleration of Priority Infrastructure Delivery's (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.

Related news: South Sumatra LRT adds six trips starting June 7

The committee stated that Palembang's LRT had 13 stations, spreading from the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport to the Jakabaring Sports City.

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 boost passenger flow, 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. Related news: Official confirms integration of LRT with Musi's ferry boats

Related news: MRT plans to power trains with renewable energy

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Translator: Immanuel CS, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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