The Denpasar City Government has launched a two-month trial of electric shuttle buses in the Sanur area to support tourism and reduce traffic congestion. The initiative, led by the Denpasar Department of Transportation, began on August 1, 2025, and is in line with Bali’s push for low-emission zones.
Currently, five out of six electric shuttle buses are operating along Jalan Danau Tamblingan to Mertasari Beach, a route known for heavy congestion and high tourist traffic. One unit is being kept on standby.
Head of Denpasar’s Department of Transportation, I Ketut Sriawan, emphasized that this trial is part of the city’s commitment to creating a cleaner, safer transportation system.
“This trial is a form of commitment to support low-emission programs. Additionally, the shuttle buses are expected to eliminate illegal parking caused by companies without proper parking areas using roadside space” said Sriawan, as quoted by NusaBali.
Sriawan explained that one of the main contributors to traffic and air pollution in the Sanur area is the lack of available parking, which has forced many businesses to rely on roadside parking. To solve this, Denpasar City has planned to centralize parking at Mertasari Beach, allowing both tourists and workers to park their vehicles and continue their journey via shuttle buses.
The shuttle buses also serve as a feeder system for Metro Dewata buses, which currently operate only as far as the International Hospital on Danau Tamblingan Street. From there, passengers heading further south can switch to the electric shuttle.
“If the northern terminal at the Sanur Port Dock is realized, tourists heading to southern Sanur won’t have to travel through public roads,” Sriawan added.
The shuttle service is not only being tested in Sanur. It was also used during the palebon (royal cremation) of Ni Jero Samiarsa, the mother of Denpasar Mayor IGN Jaya Negara, on August 4, 2025, to help evaluate the system in a high-traffic ceremonial setting.
The entire trial is expected to last for two months, during which time the city will assess performance and identify operational challenges. If deemed successful, management of the shuttle service will be handed over to Desa Adat Intaran, the local traditional village authority.
“If the results are effective, we’ll hand over the management to Desa Adat Intaran. While the trial is ongoing, the traditional village will also prepare for future operations.” Sriawan confirmed.
This pilot project is also in accordance with Governor Regulation No. 48 of 2019 and Circular Letter No. 8 of 2023, which designate Sanur as a low-emission tourism zone.
Through this initiative, Denpasar aims to not only enhance the tourist experience but also to provide a sustainable, eco-friendly solution to growing urban mobility challenges. By integrating electric shuttles into the public transport ecosystem, the city takes a significant step toward greener tourism infrastructure.
Source: Tribun-Bali, NusaBali
Special Photo Credit via BaliPost