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KAI launches new train, wi-fi connection to improve services

State railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is introducing a new air-conditioned economy-class train, as well as wireless broadband internet connection on executive-class trains to improve services and convenience to its passengers

The Jakarta Post
Jakarta
Thu, August 25, 2011

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KAI launches new train, wi-fi connection to improve services

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tate railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is introducing a new air-conditioned economy-class train, as well as wireless broadband internet connection on executive-class trains to improve services and convenience to its passengers.

The company said on Wednesday that it would begin to operate the Gajah Wong air-conditioned economy train on Thursday to serve the route between Jakarta and Yogjakarta. “The train will transport passengers between Pasar Senen station in Jakarta and Lempuyangan station in Yogyakarta. Tickets will cost Rp 120,000 (US$14),” the company said in a statement available on its website.

Gajah Wong is the second air-conditioned economy train provided by KAI to serve intercity routes on Java. The company previously introduced the Bogowonto train in September last year to serve the route between Pasar Senen station in Jakarta and Kutoarjo station in Purworejo, Central Java .

According to a press release from the Transportation Ministry, the Gajah Wong train was constructed by state train manufacturer PT Inka with funding from the 2010 and 2011 state budgets. The train comprises ten passenger carriages and an additional dining carriage, equipped with a 2 x 250 kilovolt-ampere (KVA) electricity generator.

Each passenger carriage has capacity for 80 passengers, similar to that of the Bogowonto, although far less than that of non-air-conditioned economy train carriages, which can carry 106 passengers. The train is expected to be in operation for at least 25 years.

Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, who inaugurated Gajah Wong’s operation at Kota station in Jakarta on Wednesday, said that the train would be ready to transport passengers during this year’s Idul Fitri exodus.

He added that KAI would operate five additional air-conditioned economy trains next year.

“We hope that, in time, all trains operated by KAI will be equipped with air-condition,” he said, without mentioning any specific target.

KAI also plans to improve the convenience for its passengers by signing an agreement with internet service provider PT Indosat Mega Media (IM2) on Tuesday. The two companies will collaborate to provide wireless broadband internet services, or wi-fi, on numerous executive-class trains as well as at seven railway stations across Java.

KAI’s commercial director, Sulistyo Wimbo Hardjito, said that the wi-fi service would be available at Gambir station in Jakarta; Bandung station in Bandung; Tawang station in Semarang; Tugu station in Yogyakarta; Solo Balapan station in Surakarta; and Gubeng and Pasar Turi stations in Surabaya .

“On-board services will be available on executive-class trains, including Argo Parahyangan [Jakarta-Bandung]; Argo Lawu [Jakarta-Yogyakarta]; Argo Muria [Jakarta-Semarang]; Sembrani and Bima [Jakarta-Surabaya]; Taksaka [Jakarta-Surakarta]; Sancaka [Yogyakarta-Surabaya]; and Argo Wilis [Bandung-Surabaya],” he said.

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