South Sumatra Light Rail Transit (LRT) passenger movement shows a positive trend throughout 2024. Based on the latest data, the number of passengers using LRT on weekdays has increased significantly compared to the previous year. In September 2024, there were 10,883 passengers using the South Sumatra LRT, compared to 10.284 passengers in the same period in 2023.

This increase reflects the changing mobility patterns of people in South Sumatra, especially the residents of Palembang city, in using public transport. Several factors are believed to play a role in this increase in passenger numbers, ranging from improved service quality to better travel time efficiency compared to other land transport modes. 

Since the beginning of 2024, the management of the South Sumatra LRT has continued to make various innovations and improvements, from increasing the frequency of services to adding facilities to support passenger comfort. Several routes have also been optimised to facilitate access from various strategic areas in Palembang, making it more attractive to public transport users.

The head of the South Sumatra Light Railway Management Centre (BPKARSS), Rode Paulus, said efforts to modernise and improve the infrastructure of the South Sumatra LRT were also driven by the public's need for faster, safer, and more efficient transport. We continue to evaluate the needs of LRT users so that this mode of transport can be the main choice of the people of Palembang, especially during weekday rush hours," he said on Thursday, 3 October 2024.

In addition, the integration of the LRT with other modes of transport, such as Trans Musi buses and feeders, will be continuously improved so that passengers can easily transfer from one mode of transport to another without major obstacles. This makes LRT more affordable and convenient for people working or moving around the city centre.

As more passengers use the South Sumatra LRT, it is expected to help reduce traffic congestion in Palembang, which is one of the main traffic problems in the city. The LRT is seen as an effective solution as it is able to transport large numbers of passengers without increasing traffic on the roads.

The increase in passenger numbers recorded until September 2024 is optimistic for the future of public transport in South Sumatra, especially the South Sumatra LRT. With an increasing trend, it is expected that by the end of the year, the number of LRT passengers on weekdays can continue to grow in line with the increased public awareness to switch to public transport.

The management of the South Sumatra LRT is also optimistic that there will be more programs to improve passenger comfort in the future, such as expanding routes, improving service quality, and educating the public on the importance of using public transport to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the city.

With the support of the government and the growing enthusiasm of the public, the South Sumatra LRT is expected to grow and have a positive impact on the daily lives of the people of Palembang. Moreover, with the commitment of various parties to continue to develop public transport, the future of the South Sumatra LRT looks even brighter.