Year of Operation: Medan Electric Buses Generate Rp12 Billion Revenue
The acting head of Medan Transportation Office, Suriono, disclosed that the total revenue from the electric bus-based Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in 2025 reached approximately Rp12 billion.
“We are currently developing routes and feeder services,” said Suriono on Monday, 9 March 2026, whilst speaking as a resource person in a dialogue titled “Medan Electric Bus Discussion #SharingForAll” held by Kalista Group.
He emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in delivering a modern and environmentally friendly public transport system. He added that sustainable public transport development requires support from various parties to ensure electric bus services continue to develop and benefit the public.
During the period from January to December 2025, the electric bus-based BRT covered a distance of 3.9 million kilometres. The BRT also transported 2,755,637 passengers, or an average of 7,550 people per day. These electric buses contributed to reducing carbon emissions by 28 per cent compared to conventional public transport fuelled by diesel.
Suriono stated that electric buses operate on five corridors: Amplas - Pinangbaris with 16 units, J City - Plaza Medan Fair with 7 units, Belawan - Lapangan Merdeka with 14 units, Tuntungan - Lapangan Merdeka with 10 units, and Tembung - Lapangan Merdeka with 8 units. The buses operate from 05:30 to 22:15 Western Indonesia Time.
“Of the 60 buses currently operational, 55 units are in service with the remaining reserved as backup. The fare is Rp5,000 per tap,” Suriono explained.
PT Kalista Biru Nusantara, Kalista Group, launched 60 electric buses in November 2024 at Lapangan Merdeka Medan. Kalista collaborated with Medan City Government and Blue Bird as the operator. During its operation, public enthusiasm has been very high, significantly impacting the urban transport system.
“These buses reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,510 tonnes, equivalent to planting 75,000 trees. On the assumption that one teak tree absorbs 20 kilograms of CO2 annually,” said Kalista Group Chief Executive Officer Albert Aulia Ilyas.
The dialogue forum held by Albert brought together various stakeholders to share experiences and lessons learnt from electric bus implementation. It served as an open discussion space for various parties to discuss operational performance, identify challenges and opportunities for developing public transport in Medan City.
“The transition to electric public transport is not merely about vehicle technology; it is about building an ecosystem involving many parties. Through this forum, we wish to open a dialogue space between government, operators, industry and the public to share experiences and learnings from electric bus implementation in Medan,” said Albert.
Electric buses have been mass transit in Medan City since 2023. The arrival of these buses meant the Trans Metro Deli (TMD) buses were no longer used. Initially, a trial was conducted by opening the J City - Plaza Medan Fair corridor. After being deemed suitable with high passenger enthusiasm, PT Kalista Biru Nusantara launched 60 electric buses in November 2024, aligned with its vision of supporting the government programme to accelerate environmentally friendly transport.
All electric buses operated are low-floor buses of the Higer brand. Measuring 10.5 metres with a battery capacity of 303 KWH, each unit can carry 52 passengers with a range of 265 kilometres on a single fast charge taking 1.5 hours.
The choice of bus type was based on Kalista’s survey, considering road conditions, potential obstacles and infrastructure in Medan City. Before determining unit specifications, an 11-month trial was conducted with various types and specifications to assess suitability and performance of each unit. The trial involved seven brands with various sizes and specifications.
Albert stated that this environmentally friendly fleet is equipped with various safety features including an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), driver monitoring system, emergency door sensors, fire extinguishers, emergency door buttons, glass-breaking hammers, emergency exits, CCTV, seatbelts, 360-degree cameras and an onboard unit (OBU). Facilities inside the bus include 26 handholds for standing passengers, wheelchair ramps, priority seats and USB charging ports.
“We have built 18 charging stations with a capacity of 180 KW supported by 4.3 KVA power from PLN. We have established a workshop at Blue Bird Pool for regular monitoring and maintenance of units,” he said.
Kalista’s collaboration with Medan City Government for large-scale public transport transition is the first among major cities in Indonesia besides Jakarta. The hope is that it will serve as inspiration and an impetus for other cities to switch to electric-based public transport.
“Medan City has upgraded its public transport. There are no more conventional buses; all use electric buses,” said Albert.