E-Ticketing for Commuter line

Jakarta’s train commuters are placing high hopes on the planned implementation of an electronic ticketing system, which they say will make their commuting more efficient. 

State railway company PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek (KCJ) on Wednesday began a trial period for the new system, known as “comet”, which will be fully effective in April. Several comet machines have been installed at several train stops, including Serpong, Bogor and Pondok Cina stations. 

Fatiya Puspita, a civil servant living in Depok, said that the electronic ticket was the most suitable system for commuter train users. “Every minute is precious. The electronic ticketing system can make us travel faster,” she said.

Fatiya, who ends her commuting route at Juanda station in Central Jakarta, said that the electronic ticket was not as complicated as it looked. “It is modern and efficient. I believe many people will love it eventually,” she said.

Another train user, Rahmat Hidayat, said that the system was particularly needed during rush hours in the morning and in the afternoon. “The electronic ticket should have been installed much earlier. It shows the upgraded service for passengers,” he said.

However, Rahmat reminded the train operator that it had to spread more information about the new mechanism. “We must ensure every passenger gets the benefit of this new ticketing system. It can be confusing for some of us,” he said.

“We need more information about how to get the ticket, how to top up with some money and how to see our credits,” he said.

Rahmat also hoped that the train operator improved other services, including safety and punctuality.

KCJ corporate secretary Makmur Syaheran said that the top up credits were available from a minimum of Rp 20,000 (US$2.22) to Rp 1,000,000. “The credits are based on the passenger’s needs,” he said.

KCJ adopted electronic ticketing from Singapore’s mass rapid transit (MRT) system. The electronic ticket is expected to reduce long queues in front of ticket counters during rush hour. 

Makmur said that his company had allocated 15,000 tickets available in 35 stations for the first testing period from Feb. 1 to April.

He said that the company would double the tickets to 30,000 at 51 train stops for the second period of testing from April to June. The last test period for electronic tickets will be between June and July.

Makmur said that his company expected to deliver 100,000 tickets in 63 stations by the end of July. “We hope that we can start electronic ticketing for all commuter train routes from July,” he said.

As of today, Makmur said that 11,200 tickets had been sold. “We believe others will buy soon, along with the gradual implementation of electronic ticketing in all stations,” he said. The paper tickets were still acceptable until the end of test period.