C

ity-owned bus operator PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta) waived fares for passengers on the new Transjakarta route between Ciledug and Tendean in South Jakarta on Sunday, a day before its official launch.

The free bus rides were not just a publicity stunt. They were also the final trial for the new 9.3-kilometer Corridor 13 before it enters full operations on Monday, Transjakarta president director Budi Kaliwono said. “Especially for today, we’re providing a free service to prepare for our operations tomorrow, which is the first day of work and which will be filled with passengers,” he said, as quoted by kompas.com.

The free rides for passengers were available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The corridor is the only one of the Bus Rapid Transit network that uses special elevated lanes. During the early phase of operations, Transjakarta Corridor 13 will only use four stops, out of a total 12 planned, as the other bus shelters are not yet ready.

The city administration and the operator proceeded with the launch despite shortcomings in its facilities that have raised safety concerns.

The company has been criticized for a lack of street lamps and proper bus shelters as well as a lack of supporting facilities like elevators to get passengers up to and down from the elevated lane.