Today, the single and multi trip e-ticketing system with the new distance-based fares have been implemented in all stations in Jabodetabek. The new system aims to reduce long queues in front of ticket counters during peak periods and attract more passengers.
In anticipation, I came earlier than usual and already bought the multi trip-e-ticket of Rp. 50,000 the day before. Hence, I was lucky to be spared from the hitch and glitch of the new system. Thanks God indeed!
Arriving at the station, I saw long snaking queues of commuter train passengers in Depok Lama Station. Everyone seemed anxious as well as excited for the new fare.
A middle-aged man in worn-T-shirt wiped away beads of sweat from his forehead. He suddenly smiled. His eyes beamed with relief. He paid the ticket, and scurried away to the platform.
In reflex, my gaze darted to the source of joy, the new price board. To my amazement, my train fare would drop as much as 60 percent. With the new rates, I only need to pay Rp 3,500 for a one-way trip from Depok Baru Station to Sudirman Station and vice versa instead of the usual flat rate of Rp 8,000 for one way trip.
Alas, the excitement was short- lived.
To the dismay of many, the long queue worsened within minutes. It became nightmarish as the rushing passengers got impatient to wait in such a long winding line. They were not yet accustomed to the new ticketing system.
To make matters worse, technical glitches hit an economy-class train resulted in schedules disruption. The commotion peaked into resentment as hundreds left stranded for hours just to get to their office. In frustration, some screamed in protest and ditched the scene, looking for alternative transport.
Arriving at office, one of my colleagues complained he had to to waste 45 minutes just to get the e-ticket. He was also forced to stand for about an hour and a half in the overcrowded train due to disrupted schedule.
“So much for a timely schedule! It’s so horrible.” He slumped tiredly at his desk.
I witnessed the same commotion on my way home from Tanah Abang Station. Passengers were cramped in snaking queues in front of the ticket booths even up to the outside of the area.
The scene was an ocean of fatigue and confused human. Those who sought the way in and out would have to endure hours of struggle. It was a total havoc.
Despite the socialization and trial of the electronic tickets, passengers and officers alike were still mystified by the new system.
This new pricing system has set progressive rates, applying different-price tickets depending on the distance. It receives government subsidies through a public service obligation (PSO) funding so that the price is much lower than the previous flat system.
The ticket price for the first five stations costs only Rp 2,000 and an additional of Rp 500 for the next three stations.
As a result, the new fare has lured more passengers. Coincidently, it is applied after the government has increased the fuel price. As of now, compared to any other transportation, KRL is much cheaper and faster.
The surge of the passengers coupled with the slowness of the ticketing machines and the unaccustomed passengers of the new system has created horrendous and nightmarish long queue either in and out of the station. It is much longer than anticipated.
Drenched in sweats, my colleague smiled sourly.
“Well, the fare is cheaper now. Thanks God! I only wish that the queue will get better as time goes on.”
I abruptly added, “And the regular KRL disruptions will not take place too often with all the old excuses of power or signal problem!”
He grinned in agreement.
Well… We are thankful that the fare is much cheaper now. Yet, the new system could very well be useless if trains are continually late due to regular disruptions.
What’s more, nobody wants to stand in line for hours in a hellish queue every single day. The passengers themselves should adjust to the new system and learn how to queue orderly.
In anticipation, I came earlier than usual and already bought the multi trip-e-ticket of Rp. 50,000 the day before. Hence, I was lucky to be spared from the hitch and glitch of the new system. Thanks God indeed!
Arriving at the station, I saw long snaking queues of commuter train passengers in Depok Lama Station. Everyone seemed anxious as well as excited for the new fare.
A middle-aged man in worn-T-shirt wiped away beads of sweat from his forehead. He suddenly smiled. His eyes beamed with relief. He paid the ticket, and scurried away to the platform.
In reflex, my gaze darted to the source of joy, the new price board. To my amazement, my train fare would drop as much as 60 percent. With the new rates, I only need to pay Rp 3,500 for a one-way trip from Depok Baru Station to Sudirman Station and vice versa instead of the usual flat rate of Rp 8,000 for one way trip.
Alas, the excitement was short- lived.
To the dismay of many, the long queue worsened within minutes. It became nightmarish as the rushing passengers got impatient to wait in such a long winding line. They were not yet accustomed to the new ticketing system.
To make matters worse, technical glitches hit an economy-class train resulted in schedules disruption. The commotion peaked into resentment as hundreds left stranded for hours just to get to their office. In frustration, some screamed in protest and ditched the scene, looking for alternative transport.
Arriving at office, one of my colleagues complained he had to to waste 45 minutes just to get the e-ticket. He was also forced to stand for about an hour and a half in the overcrowded train due to disrupted schedule.
“So much for a timely schedule! It’s so horrible.” He slumped tiredly at his desk.
I witnessed the same commotion on my way home from Tanah Abang Station. Passengers were cramped in snaking queues in front of the ticket booths even up to the outside of the area.
The scene was an ocean of fatigue and confused human. Those who sought the way in and out would have to endure hours of struggle. It was a total havoc.
Despite the socialization and trial of the electronic tickets, passengers and officers alike were still mystified by the new system.
This new pricing system has set progressive rates, applying different-price tickets depending on the distance. It receives government subsidies through a public service obligation (PSO) funding so that the price is much lower than the previous flat system.
The ticket price for the first five stations costs only Rp 2,000 and an additional of Rp 500 for the next three stations.
As a result, the new fare has lured more passengers. Coincidently, it is applied after the government has increased the fuel price. As of now, compared to any other transportation, KRL is much cheaper and faster.
The surge of the passengers coupled with the slowness of the ticketing machines and the unaccustomed passengers of the new system has created horrendous and nightmarish long queue either in and out of the station. It is much longer than anticipated.
Drenched in sweats, my colleague smiled sourly.
“Well, the fare is cheaper now. Thanks God! I only wish that the queue will get better as time goes on.”
I abruptly added, “And the regular KRL disruptions will not take place too often with all the old excuses of power or signal problem!”
He grinned in agreement.
Well… We are thankful that the fare is much cheaper now. Yet, the new system could very well be useless if trains are continually late due to regular disruptions.
What’s more, nobody wants to stand in line for hours in a hellish queue every single day. The passengers themselves should adjust to the new system and learn how to queue orderly.
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