Bali launches free electric-bus service for at least one year

Denpasar — Bali Governor Wayan Koster launched the Trans Sarbagita electric-bus service on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the northern parking area of the Ngurah Rai Sports Centre in Denpasar.

Why it matters: Residents and visitors can use the Trans Sarbagita electric-bus route between the Ngurah Rai Sports Centre and GWK without paying fares for at least one year from November 9, 2026.

The service runs on a route linking the Ngurah Rai Sports Centre with Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), with 11 electric buses prepared for operations. Ten buses are scheduled to operate each day, while one remains available as a rotating backup, according to Bali Post.

Koster announced that passengers would pay no fare for at least one year from the launch date. The policy will later be evaluated, Bali Post reported.

Operating costs during the free period will be covered by the Bali provincial budget, according to Governor Koster as quoted by Tempo. The buses and charging stations were provided as a grant from the South Korean government, Tempo reported.

Passengers must still tap an electronic-money card when boarding so authorities can record passenger numbers and measure use of the service. Operators will provide cards on board for passengers who do not have one, Bali Post reported.

The provincial government has presented the service as a lower-emission public-transport option. The launch marks the start of the electric Trans Sarbagita service on the route rather than a nationwide transport programme.

Sources

• Tempo
• Bali Post
• Tribun Bali