Elderly Enjoy Free Transjakarta Card: Free from Traffic Jams and Cost Savings

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Free access to the Jakarta MRT using the Free Service Card (KLG) has become a particular attraction for the elderly. In addition to freeing them from the fatigue of the capital’s traffic jams, free public transport access is also considered to significantly cut expenses. This is one of the things felt by Tan (75), a resident of Kebon Jahe, Central Jakarta, who has been using the free public transport card for years. Tan claims to have had the free card since the era of DKI Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok). “So last week when I tried it, to Blok M I usually take the Busway (Transjakarta). Then last time from Blok M to HI here I took the MRT for free,” Tan revealed when met by Kompas.com on Sunday (19/4/2026). For Tan, this free access is not only a service that eases her transport access but also helps her save on expenses. This is because she often travels from her home to Blok M in South Jakarta, so transport costs are considered quite draining on the pocket. “I often have business in Blok M, up to twice a week. Well, if taking the MRT it’s Rp 8,000, so round trip (return) it’s Rp 16,000. Not to mention if I need to take JakLingko or Transjakarta, add Rp 7,000 round trip. A day saves Rp 25,000, quite substantial, a month can save around Rp 100,000, which can be used for other things,” Tan explained. Besides savings, the comfort factor due to being free from traffic and time efficiency is the main reason Tan is very pleased to use the MRT. “If taking the Busway, it’s still jammed. Once I was late for a seminar. I was disappointed, but oh well. Luckily there’s the MRT, which won’t be jammed. Fast, so it really helps,” she said. “Only what I hope is if KRL can also be helped. For intercity trains, I’m already registered as elderly, so I get a 20 percent discount. That helps a lot. Hopefully KRL can too,” she concluded. For information, the making of the Free Service Card (KLG) for public transport from the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency is back at the Car Free Day (CFD) event at Bundaran HI, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (19/4/2026). The KLG is a card that can be used by 15 special groups of Jakarta residents to get free access to Transjakarta, MRT, and LRT transport.