Exploring Balikpapan City Trans: Trial of the Promising BTS Transportation Service
On July 1, 2024, Balikpapan officially launched a trial for urban transportation services under the Buy The Service (BTS) scheme through the Balikpapan City Trans project. This initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the
Ministry of Transportation and the Balikpapan City Government. It is a strategic step in addressing the mandate of Traffic Law No. 22 of 2009, which requires the government to create mass transit that is affordable, comfortable, safe, clean, and healthy.
The Director General of Land Transportation, Irjen Pol Risyapudin Nursin, emphasized the importance of government involvement in establishing an adequate transportation system amidst rapid urbanization, especially with the presence of the new capital city, Nusantara (IKN). This trial is expected to succeed not only as a mass transit alternative but also in anticipating the increasing mobility needs of Balikpapan City.
Balikpapan City Trans, which began effective operations on Monday, July 8, 2024, offers two main corridors. The first corridor covers the route from Semayang Port to Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman (SAMS) Sepinggan Airport, while the second corridor runs from Batu Ampar Terminal through Ahmad
Yani Street and MT Haryono, returning to Batu Ampar Terminal. With a total distance of 26.6 kilometers for the first corridor and 20.6 kilometers for the second, the service aims to connect key city points with efficiency and comfort.
Each bus in the Balikpapan City Trans fleet is equipped with advanced technology, including air conditioning, tap-on machines, CCTV, and monitoring technology (bus tracking) to ensure accurate schedules and timely service. Although no fare will be charged during the initial three years, users
are required to use electronic money via the tap-on machines available on each bus.
The Head of the Balikpapan City Transportation Office, Adwar Skenda, explained that fare determination will follow a study on the community’s ability to pay and their willingness to pay. This is a strategic move to ensure a sustainable service accessible to all levels of society.
The Balikpapan City Trans trial not only marks a progressive step in transportation infrastructure development but also serves as a tangible example of the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens. With the implementation of BTS, it is hoped that Balikpapan can set a new standard in environmentally friendly and efficient urban mobility.
