KAI: Siantar Express Passengers Grow 17 Percent in First Quarter of 2026

Medan (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Regional Division I North Sumatra recorded 135,687 passengers using the Siantar Express train service on the Medan–Pematangsiantar route throughout the first quarter (January–March) 2026, marking a 17 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 116,355 passengers. “This growth reflects the increasing trust and awareness of the public in utilising rail public transport as a primary mobility enabler,” said Acting Head of Public Relations for KAI Regional Division I North Sumatra, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, in Medan on Saturday. He stated that the rising interest in using trains for travel is inseparable from the support of the Public Service Obligation (PSO) scheme. “The presence of the government through subsidies for Siantar Express tickets makes the fares more economical and affordable for all levels of society. This ensures that quality transport services can still be enjoyed at efficient prices,” Anwar said. During the first three months of 2026, the Siantar Express served an average of 1,508 passengers per day. This figure reached 119 percent of the total daily capacity available, which is 1,272 seats. These data confirm that the Siantar Express is no longer just seasonal transport but has become a daily mainstay for the public. He mentioned that as an intercity local train, the Siantar Express provides a concrete answer to the North Sumatra provincial government’s One Day No Car programme. The Siantar Express route itself integrates six strategic regions, namely the City of Medan, Deli Serdang Regency, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Tebing Tinggi City, Simalungun Regency, and Pematangsiantar City. “With four daily departure schedules and a ticket price of only Rp22,000, the public can travel between regions far more efficiently than using private vehicles. This step is also in line with the government’s programme for energy savings and reducing road traffic congestion,” he said. In addition to supporting daily activities, the Siantar Express also serves as an option for tourists from Medan heading to the Lake Toba area. Upon arrival at Siantar Station, various onward transport modes are available to Parapat, which is the main gateway to the Lake Toba area, up to the crossing to Samosir Island via Ajibata or Tigaras Harbour. The Siantar Express offers travel flexibility with departures from Medan Station at 11.45 WIB and 20.30 WIB, and in the opposite direction at 07.10 WIB and 15.35 WIB. This choice of schedules from morning to evening ensures smooth and efficient public mobility throughout the day. “The Siantar Express is present as a comprehensive transport solution. In addition to being a supporter of tourism to Lake Toba, its vital role also lies in its ability to connect various economic points in North Sumatra. With economical prices and extensive connectivity, KAI hopes that the public will increasingly choose trains as the primary option for safe and comfortable daily mobility,” he said.