The Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation, through the Bandung Railway Engineering Center, and the Bandung City Government will soon electrify this service into an electric-powered KRL Commuterline system, similar to those in Greater Jakarta and Yogyakarta–Solo. The plan will start in 2024 with the first phase in the Padalarang – Bandung plot and continued with the second phase in the Bandung – Cicalengka plot. This plan is also expected to help connect the Whoosh high speed train service as an alternative to and from the Bandung city center.[2]
History
In 2015, this train used the regular K3 used by the Patas AC train and the Penataran Express train which stopped operating. As of April 1, 2022, there will be a change in operator and management of the Greater Bandung Commuter Line train, which was previously managed by Kereta Api Indonesia , then handed over to KAI Commuter.[3]
The Bandung Raya Commuter Line train has undergone various developments, one of which is the station infrastructure. The stations on the Padalarang — Bandung route have undergone revitalization in support of the project and the Whoosh high speed train. Construction of the Kiaracondong railway station - Cicalengkadouble track is underway by the Direktorat Jenderal Perkeretaapian. In this project, Gedebage Station and Andir Station are being activated for passenger services.[4]
There is talk of converting this series of trains into electric trains. In 2023, the Bandung City Transportation Department announced that the conversion project will be divided into two stages, namely Padalarang – Bandung plot and Bandung – Cicalengka. The plan is that the project will be completed in 2024.[5]
Starting July 2023, along with the implementation of the 2023 train travel charts, the name of this train service will change from "KA Bandung Raya Ekonomi" to "Commuter Line Bandung Raya", in line with the uniformity of other local train brands in Indonesia.[6]
Naming
The general public, to this day, often refers to this train as "KRD" because it was initially running as a KRD (Diesel Multiple Unit). Apart from that, there was a mention of "KRD Economy" to differentiate it from KRD Patas which at that time was a business class train. As of June 1, 2023, along with the implementation of the train travel schedule (GAPEKA), the Bandung Raya local train will be rebranded as "Commuter Line Bandung Raya".[7]
Capacity
The capacity in one train series is around 742 seats, spread across seven economy class trains. In its operation, tickets are sold with a composition of 100% seating and 50% standing tickets from the available seat capacity in one train series. In this case, there is also a limit on the number of tickets sold on each schedule at departure stations and stopover stations, initial departure stations are limited to approximately 500 tickets and stopover stations 50 to 100 tickets per schedule, this policy is implemented in order to meet the comfort required by passengers this train, as well as legally in the context of implementing Law Number 23 of 2007 concerning Railways.[3]
Rates
PT Kereta Api Indonesia Operational Area II Bandung impose a flat fare of IDR 5,000 or US$0.32 for Greater Bandung Commuter Line trains. As well as ordering Bandung Raya Commuter Line train tickets, you can use the Access By KAI application at least 2 hours to 7 days before departure and at the counter a few hours after the previous departure.[8]
Routes and stations
The Greater Bandung Commuter Line train crosses five districts and cities in West Java . The main route of this train connects the west to the east, starting from Padalarang in West Bandung Regency to Cicalengka in Bandung Regency and vice versa. Along the journey, the train will stop in the center of Cimahi City and Bandung City. There is also a longer route, from Cicalengka to Purwakarta , although with less frequency than the Padalarang—Cicalengkaroute.
In accordance with GAPEKA 2023, the Baraya Commuter Line has 40 two-way trips with a relationship composition:[3]
On January 5, 2024, Greater Bandung Commuter Line train number 350 bound for Padalarang fatally collied with the Turangga train number PLB 65A with Surabaya Gubeng–Bandung route in Cikuya, Cicalengka, Bandung Regency, West Java, precisely at km181+100 or the incoming signal of Cicalengka Station. The collision killed four people; the Greater Bandung Commuter Line train driver and its assistant, Turangga train steward, and the Cimekar Station security personnel. Meanwhile, from the total of 287 Turangga passengers and 191 Greater Bandung Commuter Line passengers, 37 people were injured.[9]
Gallery
The Bandung Raya local train arrives at Cicalengka station
The local Bandung Raya train steams at Cimindi station
One of the locomotives at Padalarang Station
Greater Bandung commuter train at Rancaekek Station
