Semarang City Government Replaces 130 Bus Units with New Ones

Semarang - The 479th anniversary of Semarang City marks a turning point in improving mass transportation in the “Atlas City.” Semarang Mayor, Agustina Wilujeng, announced a major commitment to rejuvenate 130 feeder bus units by September 2026 as a special gift to enhance residents’ mobility.

This step is taken to improve service comfort even in residential areas, while also serving as a concrete effort to reduce air pollution. Agustina highlighted that many old fleets are no longer roadworthy and are often nicknamed “land squids” due to the thick black smoke they emit during operation.

“By September, our target is to rejuvenate 130 buses. As the Deputy Mayor says, goodbye to ‘land squids.’ We want air pollution from the mass transportation sector to significantly decrease,” Agustina stated at Semarang City Hall on Saturday (May 2, 2026).

Agustina explained that the rejuvenation focuses on small buses (feeders) due to their effectiveness in reaching densely populated residential areas that are difficult for large buses to access. Key routes include educational areas such as those leading to Unnes, as well as feeder lines connecting to major Trans Semarang corridors.

“These small buses are very useful because they can enter narrow alleys. The goal is clear—we want to reduce motorcycle usage by providing transportation that is comfortable and easily accessible right from residents’ doorsteps,” she added.

In addition to upgrading conventional engines, the Semarang City Government is also accelerating the operation of electric buses. Agustina emphasized that environmentally friendly transportation procurement is a long-term investment that requires strong regional fiscal capacity.

Although fleet procurement involves third parties, she stressed that operational costs will still be fully covered by the city government through a subsidy scheme. This is done to ensure that the financial burden does not fall on the public.

“If it is not subsidized by the city government, ticket prices would become expensive for the public. Our goal is for people to switch to public transportation. Therefore, our fiscal strength will be directed toward increasing the number of buses and covering their operational costs,” she explained.

This bus rejuvenation program is one of 14 policy “gifts” launched in celebration of Semarang’s anniversary. Other highlighted initiatives include the elimination of tax penalties, free bus tickets on certain days, and special facilities that are accessible for people with disabilities.

Agustina hopes that with more modern and inclusive transportation, Semarang will not only be festive in its anniversary celebrations but also become an increasingly comfortable city to live in for all its residents.