Return traffic: Whoosh passengers predicted to rise 20 percent

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) predicts that the number of Whoosh high-speed train passengers during this year’s Lebaran return period will rise by around 20 percent.

“Looking at today’s passenger numbers still remaining high, it is predicted that they will continue to increase by around 15 to 20 percent compared to normal days,” said KCIC Corporate Communication Manager Emir Monti at the KCIC Station in East Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to him, the high mobility of the public from and to Bandung shows a significant increase compared to normal days.

Under normal conditions, the number of Whoosh passengers ranges between 16,000 and 18,000 people per day. However, during the Lebaran return period, this figure is predicted to continue rising.

Although the return flow is synonymous with the movement of people returning to Jakarta, KCIC has also recorded an ongoing flow of passengers departing for Bandung.

This is influenced by the ongoing holiday period in several institutions and schools, allowing the public to utilise the time for tourism.

Up to midday, the number of Whoosh tickets sold has reached around 13,000 to 14,000 tickets. This figure is estimated to continue increasing until the last departure schedule.

PT KCIC is optimistic that the total number of passengers today can reach around 22,000 to 23,000 people. If realised, this number indicates the high interest of the public in using the high-speed train as the main mode of transportation during the Lebaran period, both for return flows and tourist trips.

This increase in passenger numbers also serves as an indicator that Whoosh is increasingly favoured due to its speed and efficiency in connecting Jakarta and Bandung.

KCIC continues to ensure operational readiness to anticipate the surge in passengers during the ongoing return period.

Previously, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) confirmed that the security and surveillance system at Whoosh Stations has been strengthened during this year’s Lebaran Idul Fitri homecoming period.

One of the efforts undertaken is deploying 1,773 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across all station areas and rail lines.