Tariff for BIM-Simpang Haru Railway Service is Still in Calculation

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Tariff for Railway Service (KA) of Minangkabau International Airport (BIM)-Simpang Haru, Padang, West Sumatra is still in the calculation and will only be announced when it starts its operation in April or May 2018. "The railway cost, which is called Minangkabau Express will certainly be subsidized by government, but the amount is unclear as it is still counted by related parties," West Sumatra Transportation Agency Head, Amran said in Padang on Thursday. According to him ticket prices can be more expensive or cheaper than Sibinuang KA tickets that serve Padang-Pariaman, depending on economic calculations. For comparison, ticket price of KA Sibinuang which serve Padang-Pariaman route through Tabing and Duku station with 1.5 hours travel time is only Rp5.000 one way. Amran said that in the near future there will be a coordination meeting between relevant parties regarding rail operations and the continuation of reactivation of railway lines in the area. It is likely that tariff issues for the airport rail will also be discussed at the meeting. Earlier, West Sumatra Governor, Irwan Prayitno has named the train of BIM-Simpang Haru which is still undergoing trials in Madiun, East Java as Minangkabau Express. The name was chosen from three names previously prepared namely Pedati Express, Ranah Minang Express and Minangkabau Express. In addition, the train is consisting of five series of 200-person capacity vans and it is planned to operate in April or May 2018. (cha) Translator: Vicha Faradika