The Governors of Banten and Jakarta have officially launched a new Transjabodetabek bus route—S61—that connects Alam Sutera, South Tangerang, to Blok M in South Jakarta.
This route, inaugurated on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Blok M Terminal, marks a significant milestone in improving public transportation integration across the Greater Jakarta area.
By enhancing intercity connections, this route is expected to ease traffic flow and improve air quality in urban areas.
Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, stated that the Alam Sutera–Blok M route is the first of six new corridors that will be developed collaboratively by the Jakarta Provincial Government and surrounding regional governments this year.
“There will be six new Transjabodetabek routes launched this year. Alam Sutera to Blok M is the first due to its high passenger density,” Pramono said, as quoted by penamerdeka.com.
Despite being newly launched, public enthusiasm has been overwhelming. Pramono revealed that 24 buses would operate along this route daily, covering over 60 trips with a 20-minute interval between buses.
Pramono also expressed his appreciation for the strong support from Banten Governor Andra Soni and South Tangerang Mayor Benyamin Davnie in realizing this cross-regional transport initiative.
Governor Andra Soni echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the new route results from prior discussions between Banten and Jakarta on interregional cooperation.
The S61 route spans 59.7 kilometers and stops at 26 bus shelters, beginning at Flavor Bliss Alam Sutera and ending at Blok M Terminal.
Andra also noted that Banten is encouraged to propose additional routes to strengthen regional connectivity within the Jabodetabek metropolitan area.
“This initiative aligns with the central government’s goal to promote public transport use and cut private vehicle emissions,” he added.
S61 Corridor: A Practical Solution to Daily Congestion
Both governors tested the route by boarding a Transjabodetabek S61 bus from Alam Sutera to Blok M.
“This trial was done during rush hour, and it took 95 minutes. That shows this route will be in high demand,” Pramono said on Thursday, as quoted by kompas.com.
Governor Andra Soni, accompanied by South Tangerang Vice Mayor Pilar Saga Ichsan, joined the ride from Alam Sutera at 6:40 a.m. and arrived at Blok M in exactly 95 minutes. Although the trip was briefly delayed by toll road congestion, Andra found the ride comfortable overall.
He conveyed this concern to Pramono, who said that Jakarta authorities would coordinate with toll road operators to explore special treatment for public transport like dedicated lanes for Transjabodetabek buses.
Affordable and Integrated Fares at Just 0,21 USD
Currently, passengers only need to pay 0,21 USD for the S61 route. This fare is fully integrated with the TransJakarta system, meaning passengers transferring to other TransJakarta lines will not incur additional charges.
“A system like Transjabodetabek will be subsidized by the Jakarta government. I’ve already discussed with the Banten Governor, and we’ll also talk with West Java. In the medium to long term, we will make this service free,” Pramono said.
The fare-free initiative will begin after all six new routes are fully operational. Pramono, formerly a Cabinet Secretary, expressed optimism that the route would benefit not just Jakarta residents but also commuters from surrounding cities including Tangerang, South Tangerang, Depok, Bekasi, Bogor, and even Cianjur.
“Those living in places like Bekasi, Tangerang, Depok, or Bogor will be able to ride to Jakarta for free under this program,” he added.
Expanding Public Transport Access Across Jabodetabek
According to Jakarta’s Transportation Agency and TransJakarta management, 91% of Jakarta’s public transport network is already connected. However, utilization from surrounding cities remains low.
To address this, Jakarta is planning to expand the JakLingko service area to include Bekasi, Tangerang, South Tangerang, Depok, and Bogor. The aim is to make it easier for residents to access public transport right from their neighborhoods.
“We’re preparing facilities outside Jakarta so people can walk a short distance from home and access public transit,” Pramono said.
The S61 route is also supported by a ride-and-park system, allowing commuters to park private vehicles before continuing their journey by bus.
In addition to serving densely populated urban centers, future routes are being planned to cover underserved areas, including elite or exclusive zones.
“We’ll also connect elite and closed areas—like from PIK to Blok M—so they become more accessible,” Pramono stated.
Future routes under development include:
- Bekasi–Cawang (East)
- Kota Wisata–Cawang (South)
- Binong–Grogol (West)
- PIK–Blok M
- PIK 2–Pluit
- PIK 2–Jembatan Baru
With 24 buses operating daily and 60 scheduled trips, the S61 route aims to significantly ease the daily commute for workers and residents in Tangerang and South Tangerang traveling to Jakarta’s city center.
Source: penamerdeka.com, kompas.com
Photo Credit: transjakarta.co.id
