KAI Strengthens Affordable Mobility Access for 7.88 Million Passengers

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) recorded that its Public Service Obligation (PSO) train services continue to be a popular choice for long-distance and local travel. Throughout January to May 2026, long-distance PSO trains and local PSO trains managed by KAI Induk served 7,882,165 passengers, an increase of 7.9 percent compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 7,303,687 passengers. This growth demonstrates the important role of PSO services in maintaining public mobility access.

With government support through the Directorate General of Railways at the Ministry of Transportation, KAI provides economy-class train services with affordable fares on routes needed by the public.

Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that PSO trains are a crucial part of rail-based public service because they directly address the travel needs of the community. “PSO trains help people gain more affordable travel access for work, school, medical treatment, trade, visiting family, and inter-regional travel. Together with the government through DJKA Kemenhub, KAI continues to ensure this service remains relevant to customer needs,” said Anne.

Based on KAI data, long-distance PSO trains served 4,951,267 passengers in January–May 2026. This figure increased by 5.1% compared to the 4,709,193 passengers in January–May 2025. Meanwhile, local PSO trains served 2,930,898 passengers, a 13.0% increase from the 2,594,494 passengers in the same period the previous year.

Anne explained that long-distance PSO trains play a role in connecting cities in Java and Sumatra with more manageable travel costs for the public. This service provides space for passengers to make intercity journeys more economically, especially for students, workers, traders, families, and people who need regular transport access.

For long-distance PSO train services, KAI operates 13 trains, namely: KA Kahuripan (Blitar–Kiaracondong round trip), KA Bengawan (Purwosari–Pasar Senen round trip), KA Sri Tanjung (Lempuyangan–Ketapang round trip), KA Airlangga (Surabaya Pasarturi–Pasar Senen round trip), KA Serayu (Purwokerto–Kroya–Pasar Senen round trip), KA Kutojaya Selatan (Kutoarjo–Kiaracondong round trip), KA Tawang Alun (Ketapang–Bangil–Malang Kota Lama round trip), KA Bukit Serelo (Kertapati–Lubuklinggau round trip), KA Ekspres Rajabasa (Kertapati–Tanjungkarang round trip), KA Putri Deli (Tanjungbalai–Medan round trip), KA Probowangi (Ketapang–Probolinggo–Surabaya Gubeng round trip), KA Kuala Stabas (Baturaja–Tanjungkarang round trip), and KA Cikuray (Garut–Pasar Senen round trip).

On the other hand, local PSO trains strengthen regional mobility. These services are widely used by the public to travel from residential areas to city centres, markets, schools, campuses, health facilities, connecting stations, and regional economic activity hubs.

According to Anne, the 13.0 percent growth in local PSO train passengers shows that the need for short and medium-distance travel continues to rise. Local trains are the preferred choice because they have regular schedules, large capacity, and fares that help people manage daily mobility costs.

“For many passengers, PSO trains are a link to opportunity. There are students going to school, workers heading to their jobs, traders sustaining economic activity, and families staying connected between cities,” said Anne.

KAI also continues to maintain the quality of PSO train services through travel safety, cleanliness of facilities, operational regularity, and easy access to information and ticket booking. Passengers can purchase tickets through the Access by KAI application, KAI’s official website, station counters, and other official channels cooperating with KAI.

Anne added that the sustainability of PSO services requires synergy between the operator, government, and the public. KAI will continue to ensure PSO services operate according to regulations, are well-targeted, and provide direct benefits to passengers in various regions.

“KAI expresses gratitude for the government’s support through DJKA Kemenhub in the operation of PSO trains. With this collaboration, trains can continue to be present as public transport that is safe, comfortable, affordable, and close to the needs of the community,” Anne concluded.