PADANG, kiprahkita.net - After halting operations for several days, Trans Padang buses across four corridors resumed service on Monday morning (January 6, 2025), bringing relief to the public.
The return of the blue mass transit buses was welcomed by commuters who depend on the service for their daily transportation needs.
“Trans Padang is running again. Now I can commute safely to and from work,” said Risma, a civil servant who regularly uses Trans Padang’s Corridor 3.
Risma, who works at the Padang City Hall, admitted to being inconvenienced when Trans Padang stopped operating on January 1. She had to rely on carpooling with colleagues during the suspension.
“I prefer using Trans Padang because its schedule is reliable, and I don’t have to wait long,” said Risma, a resident of Siteba.
Dian, a third-semester student at Andalas University, shared similar sentiments. She expressed frustration during the suspension but was relieved when the buses resumed operations.
"What I like about Trans Padang is that it’s not overcrowded, it’s comfortable, and it’s quiet,” said Dian, a resident of Anduring.
The suspension affected four corridors: Corridor 2 (City Center-Bungus Teluk Kabung), Corridor 3 (City Center-Government Center), Corridor 5 (City Center-Indarung), and Corridor 6 (City Center-Padang State Polytechnic).
Operations ceased on January 1 due to disagreements between the operators and the government regarding vehicle operational costs (BOK) for 2025.
The resumption of Trans Padang services was confirmed by Padang Transportation Agency Head, Ances Kurniawan. “Alhamdulillah, the buses are operating again and serving passengers,” said Ances on Monday afternoon.
According to Ances, the Padang City Government held a meeting with Trans Padang’s managing company, Padang Sejahtera Mandiri (PSM), the operators, the city’s verification team, Acting Mayor Andree Algamar, Acting City Secretary, Assistant to the Mayor, and other stakeholders. The meeting, held Monday morning, aimed to directly address the operators’ concerns.
“We listened to the challenges faced by the operators and assured them that we will accommodate their needs,” Ances explained.
The operators from the four affected corridors had stopped operations due to disagreements over the BOK set by the city’s verification team.
Although the 2025 budget had already been approved by the Padang City Council, Ances stated that they are awaiting a revised BOK proposal from the operators.
“If the proposed adjustments comply with regulations, we will incorporate them into the revised budget,” he added.
Ances also urged all Trans Padang operators to continue providing services to passengers, emphasizing the importance of their role. “Serving passengers is a noble duty,” he concluded.(kominfopdg)
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