Bank Sumut introduces Smartcash for BRT Mebidang public transport service
PT Bank Sumut (Perseroda) has introduced the Smartcash card as a cashless payment method for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Medan-Binjai-Deli Serdang (Mebidang) public transport service.
“We are strengthening support for the transformation of public transport in North Sumatra through the use of the Smartcash card,” said Bank Sumut Director of Information Technology and Operations Sandhy Sofian in Medan, North Sumatra, on Thursday.
This support, he said, was marked by the distribution of Smartcash cards to the people of North Sumatra and invited guests at the launch of BRT Mebidang by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution.
The Smartcash card can be used to make cashless payments on BRT Mebidang buses, which in the initial phase serve the Medan-Binjai and Medan-Lubuk Pakam routes.
“The public simply taps the card on the reader machine available inside the electric bus, so transactions are carried out quickly, practically, and safely,” said Sandhy.
He also said that Bank Sumut’s involvement in BRT Mebidang payments is part of a government programme to build a modern and integrated public transport service.
“Bank Sumut is present as part of the transformation process carried out by the government. We realise this support through banking service innovations that provide direct benefits to the public while strengthening the digitalisation of public services,” said Sandhy.
According to him, the development of public transport is not only about providing mobility facilities, but also requires ecosystem support that makes the service easier to use.
“Through the Smartcash card, we present a simple, fast, and safe payment alternative. This is a form of Bank Sumut’s support for government digitalisation,” said Sandhy.
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution inaugurated the operation of BRT Mebidang, which in the initial phase serves the Medan-Binjai and Medan-Lubuk Pakam routes in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra.
“The presence of this electric bus-based public transport service is a strategic step,” said Bobby, after inaugurating BRT Mebidang operations at Lubuk Pakam Terminal, Deli Serdang Regency, on Wednesday (19/8).
Head of the North Sumatra Transportation Agency Yuda Pratiwi Setiawan said that in this trial phase, two electric buses are being operated to evaluate technical conditions, travel time, and to provide education to the people of North Sumatra.
“During the trial period, the public can use this electric BRT service for free,” said Yuda.
After full operation begins, he said, the planned fare is Rp4,300 per general passenger, and Rp3,000 for special categories such as students, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
The Ministry of Transportation in 2023 selected Medan City to build the BRT Mebidang infrastructure project, which is financed by development partners, namely the World Bank and AFD France, totalling Rp1.9 trillion.
BRT Mebidang has a 21-kilometre route connected to 31 bus stops with 17 routes reaching the Mebidang area using a fleet of 515 electric buses supported by depots, bus stops, and dedicated bus lanes.
“Full operation is targeted to begin on 8 December 2026 with a total of 30 electric buses consisting of 14 units for Corridor 11 (Teladan-Lubukpakam Terminal), 13 units for Corridor 12 (Simpang Barat-Binjai), and three reserve fleet units,” said Yuda.