Medan – Chairman of the North Sumatra Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Firsal Ferial (Dida) Mutyara, welcomed the launch of the trial operation of the Mebidang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a battery-electric bus service, by North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution at Lubuk Pakam Terminal, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).

He said the introduction of modern public transportation services connecting Medan–Binjai (Corridor I) and Medan–Lubuk Pakam (Corridor II) represents a strategic long-term investment that will boost manufacturing productivity, reduce workers’ living costs, and accelerate economic growth in North Sumatra.

“The longstanding problem of traffic congestion across the Medan, Binjai, and Deli Serdang metropolitan area has burdened industrial operational efficiency and reduced the quality of life of workers,” he said.

Furthermore, the North Sumatra Provincial Kadin has calculated the financial savings that will be directly enjoyed by thousands of workers across the province. During the trial period, which will run until December 2026, the electric bus service will be provided free of charge.

“This means factory workers will have zero monthly expenditure for commuting to and from work,” he said.

Once fully operational, Dida said, the affordable flat fare of Rp4,300 per trip would provide significant financial efficiency. For example, if a factory worker commutes to and from work for 25 working days a month, the estimated total transportation cost would be only Rp215,000 per month, or Rp8,600 per day.

“This calculation demonstrates the significant savings for factory workers. The difference can be allocated to other household consumption needs, ultimately improving workers’ welfare,” he explained.

Dida further said that one of the most tangible breakthroughs offered by the BRT’s operation is the opportunity for the manufacturing sector to implement full three-shift operations around the clock. The Mebidang BRT is operated under a Buy The Service (BTS) scheme, which relieves drivers of the pressure to meet passenger revenue targets. This allows drivers to focus entirely on punctuality, safety, and passenger comfort.

“The electric buses will also improve worker safety by reducing their exposure to the risk of street robberies. North Sumatra Kadin is optimistic that, with the gradual addition of buses to reach a total of 30 electric buses by December 8, 2026, travel-time efficiency and worker mobility will increase significantly,” he said.

Meanwhile, North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution said developing public transportation is the government’s responsibility to provide people with viable mobility options.

“The more private vehicles there are, the more difficult it becomes for the government to provide services. Therefore, the government must provide public transportation,” he said.

Bobby stressed that the Mebidang BRT should not stop at the launch of the bus fleet, but must evolve into an interconnected and integrated transportation system.

“This is not merely a bus launch, but the development of a connected and integrated transportation system, while also encouraging a shift in the public’s mobility culture from private vehicles to public transportation,” he concluded.