PT KAI’s revenues surge 9% during Idul Fitri exodus amid stricter rules

State-owned railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) booked Rp 108.4 billion (US$11.38 million) in revenue from ticket sales during the Idul Fitri exodus, up 9 percent from the same period last year, thanks to better ticketing systems.

“During the 12 days of holidays, PT KAI’s income is higher than last year,” PT KAI president director Ignatius Jonan said in Yogyakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

“For economy class trains only, we saw a 13 percent increase [in revenues].”

Ticket sales for economy class trains rose to Rp 23 billion within the period, from Rp 20.4 billion in 2011.

Johan attributed the jump to better implementation of ticketing rules.

“Last year, PT KAI sold standing tickets and we generated less income. Many passengers bought the ticket from scalpers,” he said.

Starting this year, every passenger is required to check in prior to departure. If the name written on a ticket is different to the holder’s identity card, Johan said, the ticket was be regarded as invalid.

During the holidays, PT KAI allows passengers with invalid ticket to ride the train if they pay 100 percent of the ticket price.

Starting Sept. 1, PT KAI will not accept such tickets and ban its holders from riding trains.(yps)