Bali Plans Free Trial for South Korean Electric Buses in Denpasar
Bali officials plan operational testing of 11 South Korean electric buses next week. Ten are expected to run daily without fares at the start, while passengers still tap electronic cards.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Denpasar — Officials in Bali said on Nov. 4 that operational testing of 11 electric buses donated by the South Korean government would begin the following week, with 10 buses expected to run daily without charge at the start.
The buses had not yet entered regular public service after their launch on Oct. 22. The initial testing will preced a wider service on the Trans Sarbagita public-transport network. During the trial, passengers will ride free but must still tap an electronic-money card when boarding so operators can record usage.
The Bali Provincial Transportation Agency, known in Indonesia as the Dishub, is preparing the fleet and operators before the public trial. Drivers are to receive vehicle familiarization and route-testing before service begins. The buses are planned for the first Trans Sarbagita corridor, linking the GOR Ngurah Rai sports complex in Denpasar with Udayana University and Garuda Wisnu Kencana.
Why the free trial matters to Bali visitors and residents
For foreign residents and visitors, the arrangement means the new buses can be used without a fare during the initial testing period, but boarding will still require an electronic card tap. Free travel therefore does not mean that passenger registration or usage tracking is suspended.
The first phase is intended to test the buses, route operations, charging arrangements and passenger demand before the service becomes part of Bali's public-transport system. Charging stations have been prepared at the Bali Transportation Agency office and the GOR Ngurah Rai area. The fleet will operate alongside existing Trans Sarbagita buses powered by internal-combustion engines.
Officials said one bus is planned to make two round trips a day, producing 20 daily trips across the initial operating plan. The report did not state an exact starting day for the trial, only that it was planned for the following week.
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