Affordable and reliable public transportation options in Jakarta

There are many ways to explore Jakarta. Not just by private vehicle, public transportation in Jakarta has also transformed for the better. Here are some affordable and reliable public transport options for getting around one of Indonesia's largest cities:

1. Taxi

If you want to explore Jakarta on a flexible schedule and in comfort, you can use online or offline taxis. Equipped with various supporting features like apps and AC, the comfort of getting around using this mode of transport tends to be more guaranteed. That said, fares for both online and offline taxis are higher compared to other public transport options.

But don't worry. With the #DitraktirHonest promo, you can get free cashback for 3 trips with GreenSM. This promo is perfect for those who want to explore Jakarta at an affordable cost. Simply use the Honest credit card app as payment when ordering GreenSM and get cashback credited to your limit balance within the following week.

2. Bajaj

Want to try something different? Give bajaj a go! According to several sources, bajaj (or bentor/becak motor) only exist in two cities in Indonesia, namely Jakarta and Banjarmasin. That makes this three-wheeled vehicle one of the most authentic and distinctive ways to experience Jakarta. Especially if you ride one around the Setu Babakan tourism area, where you can also learn about Betawi culture.

Besides being authentic, bajaj are also relatively more flexible compared to other public transport options (except taxis). That said, before boarding, you will need to negotiate the fare with the driver.

3. Mikrolet Jaklingko

You are probably already familiar with this one. Mikrolet, also called mikrotrans or angkot, is a shared minivan that circulates between neighborhoods to pick up passengers.

But today's Jakarta mikrolet is very different from the angkot of the past. The facilities have been upgraded with new furnishings, AC, online navigation tools, and cashless payment machines. On top of that, mikrolet is now connected to other public transit modes in Jakarta, and it costs Rp0 to ride. To see which routes are covered, check this link.

4. Minitrans

Just like mikrolet, Minitrans also circulates through neighborhoods to pick up passengers and connect residential areas to busway stops or train stations. The difference is that Minitrans is a small-sized bus that fits around 32 people. To ride it, you pay Rp3,500 per trip cashlessly.

5. TransJakarta

Exploring Jakarta would not be complete without hopping on TJ, also known as TransJakarta or Busway. Unlike mikrolet and Minitrans which share the road, TJ has its own dedicated lane, making it relatively free from traffic. To board, you will need to head to a bus stop first, but no worries, you can get there using the two options above.

6. KRL (Commuter Line)

KRL, or Commuter Line, is an electric train connecting Jakarta with surrounding satellite cities (Jabodetabek). Its capacity is relatively larger than other modes, around 2,000 passengers per train set. Fares are progressive: Rp3,000 for the first 25 km, then an additional Rp1,000 per 10 km. Click this link to see the full KRL route map.

Exploring Jakarta by KRL is not only great for those saving money and starting to build savings, but also for anyone curious about the working culture of this big city, since KRL is one of the most widely used modes of transport by Jakarta residents commuting to work.

7. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

MRT is a public transport mode in Jakarta that currently connects the Lebak Bulus area to Bundaran HI, spanning 15.7 kilometers. Unlike KRL, MRT has a smaller capacity of around 1,950 passengers, but runs faster because it travels underground. That is why fares are slightly higher, ranging from Rp4,000 to Rp14,000 (progressive).

8. LRT (Light Rail Transit)

One of Jakarta's newest public transport modes is the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Running at speeds of up to 80 km/h, Jakarta's LRT can accommodate around 600 passengers coming from within Jakarta itself as well as from surrounding cities. Fares are relatively affordable, starting from Rp5,000 to Rp20,000 per trip, depending on origin and destination station.

All public transport modes in Jakarta are equipped with cashless payment systems. Use your Honest credit card and the Honest App to top up your transit card balance on a scheduled, easy, and fast basis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Why are many people afraid to use public transport in Jakarta?

Some people may be afraid of using public transport in Jakarta because of crowds, unfamiliarity with how to use it, fear of getting lost, or possibly other reasons.

2. What card do you use to pay for public transport in Jakarta?

Payment options for public transport in Jakarta are very flexible and fully cashless-supported. You can pay using a tap e-money card (KUE/Kartu Uang Elektronik), QRIS, mobile banking, or even a credit card.

3. Is public transport fare in Jakarta expensive?

Public transport in Jakarta generally tends to be budget-friendly. The exception is taxis, which typically charge higher fares. To get more affordable taxi fares, you can use the Honest x GreenSM promo to save on your budget.