Going home by train? Here are the tips

Of all those, the five favorite train journeys purchased by homecoming travelers so far are the Airlangga train from Pasar Senen to Surabaya Pasar Turi, the Sri Tanjung train from Lempuyangan to Ketapang, the Bengawan train from Pasar Senen to Purwosari, the Pasundan train from Kiaracondong to Surabaya Gubeng, and the Kahuripan train from Kiaracondong to Blitar.

As of Wednesday (27/3/2024), long-distance train tickets for the period of H-10 to H+10 (March 31-April 21, 2024) have been sold 57 percent. This is equivalent to 1,873,019 tickets out of 3,283,204 tickets provided for transport during Eid al-Fitr. The most tickets sold for homecoming trips were for April 6 (H-4), with 124,356 tickets sold. For the category of return trips, the most tickets sold were on April 14 (H+3), with 118,506 tickets.

Also read: Singapore Flu Transmission Stalks Travelers, Stay Calm with the Following Precautions

Keep well

Therefore, those who want to travel home by train must ensure that they have purchased tickets well in advance through the official channels of PT KAI. The number of tickets sold will continue to increase as sales are still ongoing.

"We encourage prospective passengers who have not yet obtained tickets to reschedule their departure dates or continuously monitor the Access by KAI application. There may be passengers who cancel or change their dates," said Ixfan Hendriwintoko from the Public Relations Department of PT KAI Daop 1 Jakarta, on Thursday (28/3/2024).

Before traveling, travelers are also advised to continue to vaccinate against Covid-19 up to the second booster or fourth dose, especially for those who have a high risk of Covid-19 transmission. Apart from that, people are expected to maintain their health and stamina during the homecoming period.

Also read: Remember! Don't choose the wrong port when crossing to Sumatra

Limit your belongings

If you have secured your ticket, start preparing your luggage, which should not be too much because it could be a hassle for yourself and others. PT KAI emphasized that passengers are allowed to carry baggage without charge into carriages with a maximum weight of 20 kilograms. In terms of volume, the maximum is 100 cubic decimeters with maximum dimensions of 70 x 48 x 30 centimeters and consists of a maximum of four luggage items.

Passengers who carry excess baggage will be charged an additional fee according to the seat class. The additional fee is Rp 10,000 per kilogram for executive class, Rp 6,000 per kilogram for business class, and Rp 2,000 per kilogram for economy class.

Also read: Going home using an electric car? This is the SPKLU location in the "Rest Area" of the Lampung Toll Road

set the time

After taking care of your belongings, prepare yourself with an estimated travel time on the train. For example, bring some snacks and enough drinks to stay hydrated. If you want something convenient, PT KAI also provides affordable options in the restaurant carriage.

Then, make sure to arrive early, at least one hour before departure time and be at the station. After arriving at the station, check in at the self-service check in counter. Travelers can ask officers for help if they have difficulty doing so or can check in online via the KAI Access application two hours before departure time. This is done so as not to miss the train. Because, the average punctuality of arrival and departure times for trains is now 99.6 percent.

Also read: Anticipate Returning Overseas with Various Modes of Transportation Options

Manners

While traveling, maintain etiquette and politeness. One important aspect of public transportation is respecting silence, for example by chatting in a calm voice and using headphones if you want to listen to music or watch a film. Make sure to give priority use of seats to those who need them.

In addition, smoking is prohibited. It is also important to maintain the cleanliness of the train. Do not leave trash or personal belongings on the floor or seats of the train. Keep the trash and dispose of it at the next station or destination. PT KAI has provided trash bags on every seat and the staff will collect them before arrival.

Use electrical power socket facilities correctly. Electrical sockets in each passenger seat are only allowed for charging mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, not for other electronic devices.

Lastly and most importantly, please disembark at the designated station as stated on your ticket. PT KAI has implemented sanctions and fines for train passengers who intentionally disembark at stations beyond their ticket's designated route.

If the conductor finds passengers intentionally exceeding the limit, the passenger will be subject to a sanction in the form of double the ticket price penalty that must be paid in cash on the train at that time. The passenger will then be dropped off at the next station. If the violator does not pay the fine within 1 × 24 hours, they will not be allowed to board the train for 90 calendar days.

Also read: Walking, the Best Light Exercise When Fasting

Prima donna

A survey on the potential movement of the community during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2024 by the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) also indicates that trains continue to be the preferred public transportation mode for homecoming travelers. Approximately 20.3 percent, or 39.32 million people, chose to travel by train. This was followed by buses at 19.4 percent, private cars at 18.3 percent, and motorcycles at 16.07 percent.

This survey predicts that 193.6 million people will travel back to their hometowns during Eid al-Fitr in 2024. This number has increased from the previous year's projection of 123.8 million people. The increase is influenced by the lifting of movement restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic, improving economic conditions, collective leave, school holiday, improvement of transportation infrastructure quality and quantity, and weather forecasts.

Also read: Here are six new toll roads that will be functional for the 2024 Eid homecoming

The Ministry of Transportation predicts that the peak of the annual exodus (mudik) will occur on H-2 or April 8, when the joint holiday starts with a potential movement of 26.6 million people. Meanwhile, the peak of the return flow (arus balik) is predicted to occur on H+3 or Sunday, April 14, with a potential movement of 41 million people.

However, the government is urging those who are able to travel early to return to their hometowns to avoid overcrowding during the peak of the exodus.

"Some children who have already started their vacation can go home early. And just like last year, it is advisable not to use motorcycles as it is very dangerous. Make good use of the free mudik program," said Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi in Jakarta, on Monday (25/3/2024).