Government Modernises Mass Public Transportation in East Kalimantan
Samarinda (ANTARA) - The government is gradually modernising mass public transportation services in several areas of East Kalimantan Province (Kaltim) to ensure smooth mobility and enhance the economic movement of the community.
“East Kalimantan is currently undergoing a major transformation to provide modern urban transport that is comfortable for the public,” said Policy Analyst for Road Traffic and Transportation at the East Kalimantan Provincial Transportation Office, Mochammad Rayani, in Samarinda on Friday.
He revealed that in this initial phase, the mass transportation project is still receiving funding support from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget.
One of the pilot programmes is being implemented in Balikpapan City, which has recorded public enthusiasm for the mass transportation service named Balikpapan City Trans (Bacitra).
Acting Secretary of Balikpapan City, Agus Budi Prasetyo, explained that although its operations are fully borne by the Ministry of Transportation until 2026, the Balikpapan City Government is preparing to take over management in 2027, projected to cost Rp22 billion per year.
Preparations for the transfer of authority are accompanied by the provision of supporting infrastructure in the form of 125 stops gradually, of which 33 points have already been established through collaboration between the local government and corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from several companies.
Following the example of Balikpapan City, the Head of the Samarinda City Transportation Office, Hotmarulitua Manalu, outlined that his office has conducted a feasibility study mapping the needs for seven main routes and six feeder routes.
His side believes that efforts to shift the public towards mass public transport not only provide savings in household transportation expenses but are also effective in reducing traffic accident rates and exhaust emissions on the roads.
“Our target is for the mass transportation programme in Samarinda to be included in the Bappenas programme so that it receives funding allocation from the central government in 2027,” said Manalu.