REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The state-owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has forecast that the number of passengers during this year's Christmas and year-end holidays will reach 3 million.

KAI President Director Edi Sukmoro remarked during a press conference here on Friday that the number of passengers is estimated to reach 3,859,788 as compared to 3,815,740 passengers recorded in 2013.

"The increase of about one or two percent is not significant," he noted.

The transaction data from December 20 to January 5, 2014, revealed that 973,028 passengers traveled in economy class followed by 405,469 passengers charting their journey in executive class, and 309,500 passengers opting for business class.

He also forecast that the peak flow of passengers will occur on December 28, 2014, but the peak backflow will be in line with last year's trend.

"Although there is no record of more than 100 percent" he pointed out.

He stated that the KAI is operating 1,516 trains, comprising 1,364 trains and 152 additional trains in anticipation of the significant increase in the number of passengers.

In the meantime, the KAI operates 371 locomotives and will add 40 locomotives.

Edi called on 1.5 thousand personnel of the Special Railway Police (Polsuska) to ensure the safety and security of passengers both in Java and Sumatra.

He pointed out that the southern routes in Java were vulnerable as they had ecologically fragile land, while there were several lane crossings in the northern routes.

"We hope that there are zero railway accidents during the Christmas holidays," he affirmed.

With regard to the ticket prices, he remarked that they did not exceed the upper and lower limit rates.

"Everyone can buy tickets using the online system," he said.

With regard to its services, the KAI has offered the best possible service to its passengers, ranging from counters at the stations, customer service, waiting rooms, maintaining hygiene at stations, toilets, and so on.

"All the existing facilities at the stations and on trains must function properly," he noted.

The KAI management has also provided mobile toilets at several stations to reduce queues forming outside toilets.

For ticket availability, Edi stated that they were already booked, especially for the peak travel days between December 24 and December 28, 2014.

He advised the passengers to check seat availability through the website http://tiket.kereta-api.co.id and contact center 121.

Edi also called on the passengers to carry identification documents such as an ID card or driving license, which they have declared while booking their tickets in a bid to avoid long queues that often occur shortly before the departure of trains.

This will also avoid fading of ticket printouts issued as receipts of payment.

"Three important things that must be executed are anticipating the rainy season, prioritizing passenger safety and service, and serving passengers with a smile," he affirmed.

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