High-speed train will temporarily be free of charge

After participating in the test ride of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train on 13 September, President Joko Widodo announced that the train service will temporarily be free of charge following its inauguration scheduled for October 1.

According to the president, the policy is imposed so that the public can enjoy the new mode of transportation before delegating the authority to set its fares to the train operator PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China. The president emphasizes the importance for the public to switch to public transportation, and hopes that the high-speed train can divert the public who often times ride on private vehicles for their intercity travel.

The Jakarta-Bandung high speed train will pass through four stations, namely Halim, Karawang, Padalarang, and Tegal Luar, with a mileage of 142.3 kilometers and a maximum speed of 351 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, secretary general of the ministry of Transportation says that the inauguration and operation of the high-speed train will proceed according to schedule and will continue to conduct trials for the safety of the facilities and infrastructure.