KAI: Integration of Karet and BNI City Stations to Optimise Customer Service
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero), known as KAI, is integrating Karet Station with Sudirman Baru or BNI City Station as an effort to optimise services to customers amidst the increasing volume of urban transport users.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the increase in the number of KRL (Commuter Line) passengers must be balanced with adequate infrastructure and facility development. One of the steps being taken is the integration of passenger services between Karet Station and BNI City Station.
“Why integrate Karet Station and Sudirman Baru (BNI City)? As I mentioned, we see that this growth in passenger volume must be supported by good infrastructure and facilities,” said Anne.
She explained that the relatively short platform at Karet Station, which is located near a level crossing, was one of the considerations for this rearrangement. According to her, KAI has prepared a transformation of KRL services for the coming years, meaning infrastructure needs must be prepared in advance.
“Karet has a short platform, close to the crossing. Our investment began two years ago, and for the KRL, we are moving towards a 12-car train formation. Therefore, we must prepare the infrastructure and facilities now,” she added.
Anne emphasised that this integration does not mean Karet Station will be closed. She noted that in KAI’s 81 years of operation, the company has never closed a station, but rather adjusted functions and services according to train travel requirements.
“I strongly reject the notion that Karet is being closed. At KAI, there are stations that serve passenger transport, stations that serve freight, and stations that only serve train movements; Karet will serve train movements,” she said.
According to Anne, Karet Station will remain an access point for customers, including as part of intermodal integration. However, the boarding and alighting services for the KRL will be integrated with the platforms at BNI City Station to enhance user safety and comfort.
“The KRL boarding and alighting services will be integrated into the platforms to ensure greater safety in response to our growing passenger volume,” she said.
She noted that Karet Station is currently in the area rearrangement phase. In the future, the area will be equipped with supporting facilities such as drop zones, pedestrian access, and integration with other modes of transport without causing congestion.
To support connectivity between Karet and BNI City, KAI is also preparing pedestrian facilities, including flat travelators and travelators leading to higher areas.
She estimates that the rearrangement work will take place gradually over a period of one to seven months.
In addition to Karet and BNI City, KAI is also undertaking improvements and developments at several other stations, namely Duri, Gambir, Cawang, and Bogor Stations.