Currently, 1.4 million people commute into central Jakarta on work days. The initial subway line aims to transport only about 130,000 people daily, by the end of this year.
Jakarta’s first subway line is expected to open on March 24, easing commute in Indonesia’s gridlocked capital of 30 million people.
The 16km system stretching south from Jakarta’s downtown area is the first phase of a development envisioned to plant a cross-shaped network of stations, AP News reported.
All 13 stations have been opened since March 12, with the public invited to visit and trial the rail system.
Jakarta will also be connected to its satellite cities through a US$2.4 billion elevated rail network that is taking shape and expected to begin operations in April.
The city has faced worsening congestion in the past decade as car ownership rose. This often means spending two or more hours to move five kilometres in pockets of the city, with annual losses from congestion forecast to hit US$6.5 billion next year.
But it will likely take several years for mass rapid transit to drastically improve congestion.
Currently, 1.4 million people commute into central Jakarta on work days. The initial subway line aims to transport only about 130,000 people daily, by the end of this year.
MRT Jakarta president William Sabandar said in an interview that the city will need more lines continuing to the north, an east-west line and a loop line.
He said that the subway to the north of the city should begin running in 2024, with the east to west line possibly ready by 2026 if work begins next year as planned.