PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting (Pj.) Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin led a coordination meeting (rakor) and evaluation regarding the plan to build the Bandung Raya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Leuwipanjang Terminal Area, Bandung City, Monday (10/21/2024). Representatives of the regional government in Bandung Raya attended the coordination meeting.

The coordination meeting was held to finalize the Greater Bandung BRT project, which is planned to begin construction in early 2025.

Bey said that the construction of the BRT must run smoothly so that thorough preparation is needed. His party also invited the leadership of the West Java DPRD to listen to aspirations and input from the community.

"We will continue to refine it because we really want this BRT to run smoothly, and we need criticism and input from the West Java DPRD. It was discussed and really calculated so that the public can take advantage of this BRT," said Bey when met after the coordination meeting.

The first phase of the Greater Bandung BRT construction will take place in early 2025, the second phase in 2026, and the third phase or completion in 2027.

The Greater Bandung BRT transportation will have a special 21-kilometer lane that stretches through West Bandung, Cimahi City, Bandung City, Bandung Regency, and Sumedang.

"BRT will have a special lane, comfortable, cheap and on time," said Bey.

Meanwhile, West Java DPRD Chairman Buky Wibawa welcomed the presence of the Bandung Raya BRT because it is projected to reduce congestion. In addition, he reminded the government to minimize the impact of the BRT on the decline in income of public transportation drivers, parking attendants, street vendors and others.

"We welcome this BRT program, but those affected include street vendors, public transportation drivers, parking attendants and so on. This must be calculated carefully so that losses to the affected community can be minimized," said Buky.

Buky hopes that the people of Bandung Raya can switch from the culture of riding private vehicles to riding public transportation. Therefore, the public transportation that will be present must be comfortable, not stuffy, not congested, cheap, and on time.

"Currently, in their minds, taking public transportation means traffic jams, stuffy and so on, that is not allowed. So it must be instilled in society that taking public transportation is comfortable, efficient and on time," said Buky.