"Trains are now essential for urban mass transportation. The development must be closely monitored," he stressed in Jakarta.
During an inspection of Rangkasbitung and Maja stations in Banten, Sumadi informed that around 40,000 to 50,000 passengers from Banten and its neighboring areas travel to Jakarta every day.
This suggests that around 15 percent of the population around the stations rely on the train for their daily activities, he pointed out.
After it has been upgraded, Rangkasbitung Station's capacity will increase, providing greater comfort and safety for the growing number of passengers, Sumadi explained.
He added that the construction of the two stations is expected to be completed in 2024.
"This is our way to improve connectivity between Banten, Jakarta, and the surrounding areas. In the future, train headway will also be reduced from 15 minutes to 6 minutes, making it 2.5 times faster," he disclosed.
He lauded the efforts of the regional government and private sector developers in contributing to the improvement of public transportation services, particularly trains.
The construction of Phase I of the Rangkasbitung Station expansion began in 2022. Phase 2 of the construction is currently in progress and is targeted for completion in August 2024.
The renovated station will feature an integrated terminal and an additional gate, followed by an increase in the station's capacity from 38,000 to 83,000 passengers per day.
The station will also enhance safety by eliminating passenger crossings and closing the crossings section, in addition to benefiting the local community's economy.
Meanwhile, transit-oriented development (TOD) will be implemented at Maja Station, built by the new city developer in Maja. Feeder transportation will also be provided from residential areas to stations and vice versa.
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Translator: Adimas Raditya F P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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