DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM- The Mebidang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) officially began operations on Thursday, August 20, 2026, launching its trial service at Lubuk Pakam Terminal. The electric bus-based public transportation system is designed to strengthen connectivity between Medan, Binjai and Deli Serdang, while marking an initial step toward a more integrated transportation network across the Mebidang region.
Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan, accompanied by his deputy, Lom Lom Suwondo, attended the launch of the Mebidang BRT. Also present were North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution and Muiz Thohir, Director of Road Transportation at the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation.
Asri Ludin Tambunan welcomed the launch of the new transportation service as part of efforts to improve public mobility in Deli Serdang. He expressed hope that residents would benefit from the Mebidang BRT, particularly through a more comfortable and accessible public transportation option.
"Hopefully, the Mebidang BRT will become public transportation that is increasingly accessible, comfortable and useful for the people of Deli Serdang," he said.
Two Electric Buses Begin Service
During the initial trial period, the operator is deploying two
electric buses on Mebidang BRT routes. Authorities will use the trial phase to evaluate operations, measure travel times and introduce the new transportation service to residents in Medan, Binjai and Deli Serdang.
The government plans to fully launch the Mebidang BRT on December 8, 2026. During regular operations, a total of 30 electric buses are expected to serve two main corridors.
Thirteen buses will operate on Corridor 11, serving the Teladan–Lubuk Pakam route. Another 14 buses will operate on Corridor 12 between Simpang Barat and Binjai. Three additional buses will be kept as reserve vehicles to maintain service continuity in the event of increased operational demand or disruptions involving the main fleet.
To improve public access, the government is also establishing 121 new bus stops. Of these, 68 will be located along the Teladan–Lubuk Pakam Terminal route, while another 53 will be distributed along the Simpang Barat–Binjai route.
The additional stops are intended to expand the reach of the transportation service and make it easier for residents to reach various destinations without relying entirely on private vehicles.
During the trial period, passengers can use the Mebidang BRT free of charge. Once regular operations begin, the fare for general passengers will be Rp4,300. Students, people with disabilities and senior citizens will be eligible for a special fare of Rp3,000.
Residents can also use the
Transumut application to access route information and track bus locations in real time. The application also allows eligible passenger groups to register for the special fare.
WELCOMES MEBIDANG BRT: Deli Serdang Regent Asri Ludin Tambunan welcomed the launch of the Mebidang BRT and expressed hope that the service would become more accessible, comfortable and useful for residents. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Bobby Calls for Stronger Regional Connectivity
North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution emphasized that the development of the Mebidang BRT is not simply about providing new buses. He said the service is part of the government's efforts to establish an integrated public transportation system covering the entire Mebidang region.
Bobby called for continued development of transportation integration so that residents can travel more easily from one area to another. Integration between corridors, including a unified payment system, is an important component of public transportation development in the metropolitan area.
"The clear goal for the future is integration. If we want to travel to Binjai, Deli Serdang or anywhere else, we should only have to pay once," he said.
The statement highlights the direction of the Mebidang BRT's development, which is focused not only on expanding the bus fleet but also on making public transportation easier and more convenient for residents. With an integrated system, people will be able to use public transportation more practically when traveling between different areas.
The BRT is also part of efforts to strengthen regional connectivity across the Mebidang area, where population activity and mobility are high. Public transportation between cities and regencies is expected to provide a more organized alternative for travel while encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transportation.
PROMOTES TRANSPORTATION INTEGRATION: North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution called for the integration of the Mebidang BRT to make travel between regions easier and enable the use of a unified payment system. (PHOTO: Edi Saputra)
Joint Regional Management Through BUMD Planned
Muiz Thohir, Director of Road Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation's Directorate General of Land Transportation, praised the cooperation between the central government and regional administrations in launching the Mebidang BRT. He said the collaboration provides an important foundation for developing a modern and integrated public transportation service.
The government plans to manage the Mebidang BRT in the future through a joint company in the form of a Badan Usaha Milik Daerah (BUMD), or regional government-owned enterprise. The proposed model will involve the North Sumatra provincial government, the Deli Serdang regency government, and the city governments of Medan and Binjai.
The participation of the four regional governments is expected to help ensure the sustainability of the Mebidang BRT once regular operations begin. In addition to maintaining ongoing services, joint management would give the regional governments an opportunity to better coordinate their transportation policies and align them with the needs of residents across the Mebidang region.
With the start of the trial operation, residents now have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the BRT routes, bus stops and facilities before the service enters full operation next December. The government can also use the results of the trial period to further improve operations and service quality.
The launch of the Mebidang BRT marks an important moment in the development of public transportation in North Sumatra. The electric bus fleet, additional bus stops, affordable fares and planned corridor integration are all part of efforts to build a transportation system capable of meeting the mobility needs of residents in Medan, Binjai and Deli Serdang.
The launch was also attended by Medan Deputy Mayor Zakiyuddin Harahap, Binjai Mayor Amir Hamzah, representatives of regional governments and other invited guests. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Edi Saputra | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala