IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – The Transportation Ministry has decided to increase the capacity of passengers of the Jabodetabek Commuter Line or KRL to 45 percent from initially 35 percent of the train’s full capacity.
The ministry’s Director-General of Railway Zulfikri said the additional capacity was aimed at reducing the long line at stations that reportedly occurred today and Monday, June 8, which marked the reopening of offices during the transition period to a new normal era.
“We can only add the capacity on train cars from 35 to 45 percent, from 60 to 70 passengers per car after we conduct simulations,” said Zulfikri in a virtual press conference on Tuesday, June 9.
He explained that there are two lines set for standing commuters on each car, and so they must turn their backs to each other and face a vacant, prohibited seat. This policy, Zulfikri added, had been discussed with experts.
“So we add [one more line for standing commuters] and they must face an empty seat and back to back with each other. Because [the coronavirus] transmission is possible through the mouth,” he said.
Zulfikri stated that this policy could be taken under consideration that commuters had already been disciplined to create a line upon entering the KRL station. Albeit the long line, people had managed to maintain physical distancing.
LANI DIANA WIJAYA
