Urban Mobility in Yogyakarta–Solo to Madiun Grows, Railways Strengthen Connectivity and Open Access to Community Activities
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Public movement in the Yogyakarta, Solo, and Madiun agglomeration areas continues to rise in the first quarter of 2026. Trains serve as the primary connector for various activities, from commuting to work and university, to increasingly vibrant tourism and culinary trips in each region.
Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI, Anne Purba, stated that this trend indicates a growing need for inter-regional mobility and connectivity.
“Trains have now become part of daily life for the public. Journeys are more reliable, affordable, and able to reach more activity points, including tourist areas and culinary centres in Yogyakarta, Solo, and Madiun,” said Anne.
On the Prambanan Ekspres (KA Prameks) train service on the Kutoarjo–Yogyakarta route, passenger volume in the first quarter of 2026 reached 277,045 passengers, up from 238,260 passengers in the same period of 2025, or a growth of about 16.27%.
With a fare of Rp8,000, KA Prameks connects Purworejo, Kulon Progo, to central Yogyakarta. This service facilitates public access to various destinations, from tourist areas and educational centres to culinary hubs that are integral to daily activities.
Growth is also evident in the Yogyakarta–Palur KRL Commuter Line, which served 2,222,716 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 19.19% from 1,864,803 passengers the previous year.
This route connects central Yogyakarta, educational areas, airport access at Maguwo Station, to Solo and its surroundings. The high travel intensity shows that urban mobility requires services with denser frequency and greater capacity.
Mobility to airports is also developing continuously. The Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) Airport Train recorded 697,267 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, up about 12.11% from 621,936 passengers in the same period of 2025.
In the Solo and Madiun agglomeration areas, the Adi Soemarmo Airport Train (KA BIAS) served 208,583 passengers, growing 31.12% from the previous year. This service strengthens inter-regional connectivity within an increasingly integrated travel route.
Meanwhile, the Batara Kresna train on the Solo–Wonogiri route served 40,763 passengers, maintaining connectivity in southern Solo areas with the city centre and economic activities.
Anne added that this increasing trend shows that urban mobility needs will continue to develop in line with regional growth and public activities.
“When mobility continues to rise, the need for services with greater capacity, higher frequency, and increasingly efficient operations becomes more relevant to prepare for now,” explained Anne.
The development of rail-based urban transport systems, including strengthening more modern and environmentally friendly services, is considered an important part in addressing these needs in the future.
“The direction of urban transport development will continue to follow public needs. Trains have room to grow larger, connect more regions, and serve more journeys within an integrated system,” Anne concluded.