Jakarta. In a bid to alleviate congestion during the Eid travel period, the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) under the Transportation Ministry has launched a program offering free motorcycle transportation via railway lines for 12,180 motorcycles.

The homecoming transportation initiative commenced from April 2 to 8, departing from Jakarta Gudang Station in Jakarta.

This collaboration between the Ministry and state-owned railway operator, Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), aims to facilitate travelers from West Java, Central Java, to East Java. Departures are scheduled throughout the day and are categorized into four time slots.

"We have four departures daily, covering one northern, two central, and one southern route. Currently, almost 98.5 percent of our slots are filled. Any remaining quotas will be released through the regular ticketing system," explained Assistant Executive Vice President of KAI, Fredi Firmansyah, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Additionally, the Ministry of Transportation and KAI will offer free motorcycle transportation via railway lines for the return journey from April 13 to 19, 2024.

During Eid, Indonesians traditionally embark on journeys to their hometowns for family gatherings. The Ministry of Transportation estimates that 193.6 million people, roughly 71.7 percent of the country's population, will participate in these travels this year, marking a substantial 50 percent increase from last year's exodus.

Motorcycles are one of the preferred modes of transportation for travelers, with an estimated 31.12 million people expected to travel by motorcycle.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi emphasized the importance of preventing congestion and reducing accident rates during Eid homecoming by providing free transportation. This initiative was announced during the launch of B-Universe's Eid Homecoming Traffic Coverage Team at Pantai Indah Kapuk 2 (PIK 2), Tangerang, on Monday.

"Offering free transportation is one way for us to reduce the number of travelers using motorcycles. According to our data, 70 percent of accidents during Eid homecoming occur among motorcyclists. Therefore, we advise against using motorcycles because the government, police, and private sectors are providing free transportation alternatives that can be utilized," the minister stated.