Bali Governor Wayan Koster has announced that the newly launched Trans Sarbagita electric bus service connecting Ngurah Rai Sports Center (GOR Ngurah Rai) and Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) via Renon will be free for passengers for the next year.
The route from GOR Ngurah Rai to GWK passes through 46 bus stops, while the return trip from GWK to GOR Ngurah Rai serves 41 stops.
The free-fare policy comes after the Bali Provincial Government received 11 electric buses from the Government of South Korea.
“For the next year, passengers will ride for free, paying zero rupiah. This means all operating costs will be fully covered by the Bali Provincial Budget for the time being,” Governor Koster said during the launch ceremony in Denpasar on Monday (November 9, 2026).
Zero Emissions, Zero Noise, Zero Fare
According to Koster, the new battery-powered public transport service is built around three key principles: zero emissions, zero noise, and zero cost for passengers.
He said the electric buses not only make public transport more affordable but also support efforts to reduce pollution from the transportation sector.
“Another advantage is that we’re not dependent on fuel anymore. Like what happened recently when there were fuel supply disruptions, things became difficult, right? Electric vehicles feel like the safest option,” Koster added.
The governor revealed that the 11 electric buses are valued at IDR 45.6 billion, while the charging infrastructure is worth an additional IDR 5 billion, bringing the total value of the assistance package to roughly IDR 50 billion.
“This has been a long process. We held several meetings to make these buses a reality. I even visited Korea personally to discuss and follow through on what had been agreed under the MoU between the Bali Provincial Government and the Korean Government,” Koster said.
The buses were designed according to specifications set by the Bali Provincial Government, featuring a red, white, and black color scheme that reflects Balinese cultural identity and aligns with the province’s Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali vision.
Looking ahead, the electric bus network is expected to be integrated with future Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas, while also creating opportunities to expand the fleet through partnerships and provincial government funding.
Sources: AntaraNews
Feat Image: AntaraNews//FikriYusuf