Bali Transportation Agency temporarily replaced the Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) service with Trans Sarbagita buses. The Head of the Bali Transportation Agency, IGW Samsi Gunarta, said this transfer was carried out after the termination of TMD services since January 1, 2025.
“In order to fill the service gap, starting January 2, 2025 at 06.00 WITA, several corridors of the Trans Metro Dewata bus will temporarily be served by the Trans Sarbagita bus,” said Samsi Gunarta.
Unlike TMD which serves 6 corridors, Trans Sarbagita will only operate 2 temporary corridors, namely the Ngurah Rai GOR – Preparation Terminal via Ubung Terminal and Mengwi Terminal, and the Ngurah Rai GOR – Bali State Polytechnic via the Kuta Parking Center.
The Bali Transportation Department also utilizes the Mitra Darat application on Trans Sarbagita buses to facilitate stop arrangements in accordance with the TMD line. The tariff charged remains the same as TMD, which is Rp 4,400, with special fees for students, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
The Impact of the Cessation of TMD
Samsi added that there are 10 bus fleets prepared, including 2 reserves. The suspension of TMD operations has disappointed some people, especially those who rely on these buses for work.
For example, Surya, a resident of Sading Village, finds it difficult because he has to find alternative transportation that is more expensive, such as online taxis.
“If now it is more difficult for the community because other vehicles are expensive, it is difficult for us to go where we work,” said Surya at the Ubung Terminal, Denpasar, quoting DetikCom.
Meanwhile according to IDN Times Bali, several passengers who did not know about the termination of TMD, such as Adi Santika Jaya, also expressed their confusion at the Ubung Terminal, Denpasar.
Adi usually uses TMD because it is practical, cheap, and child-friendly. The closure of this service also had an impact on Jero Puri, a visually impaired person who felt comfortable using TMD because of the assistance provided at each stop.
“I chose this bus friend because I feel very comfortable and protected. As a blind person, I was slighted. There is someone at every bus stop to help. I hope that Teman Bus operates because friends with disabilities pass by Lalang using this bus,” explained Jero Puri when met at the Ubung Terminal, Denpasar (2/1/2025).
In addition to passengers, TMD drivers and staff were also affected. Trans Metro Dewata Bus Operator, I Ketut Eddy Darmaputra, said there are more than 300 workers who depend on this job, most of whom have switched from the tourism sector after the pandemic.
Petition Collected to Bring TMD Back
In January 2025, the management of mass transportation services with the Buy The Service (BTS) system in Bali will be transferred to the Regional Government after the memorandum of agreement that has been in effect since 2019 expires.
Several cities in Indonesia have taken over this BTS service, such as Surakarta and Banjarmasin, but for Bali and Yogyakarta, the Directorate General of Land Transportation hopes that local governments can continue the program.
The decision to terminate TMD invited reactions from the public who felt that the service was important for their mobility. In response, a petition to reinstate TMD buses has been signed by thousands of people, hoping to encourage the government to reconsider the policy.
Sources: Antara News, Detikbali, IDN Times Bali
