MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Medan City Government is accelerating the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Mebidang project, positioning the city as a pilot region for a modern public transportation system in North Sumatra. Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas emphasized that all processes are progressing as scheduled to deliver an efficient and sustainable mobility solution for residents.
Mayor
Rico Waas reaffirmed this commitment during a meeting with Indonesia's Directorate General of Land Transportation under the Ministry of Transportation and representatives of the World Bank at Medan City Hall on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Medan Accelerates BRT Mebidang Development
Read Also: Medan TP PKK Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding to Prevent Stunting "This project is not just a concept on paper, but part of my vision and mission to build an effective and modern transportation system in Medan," said
Rico Waas.
He stressed that the city is fully committed to transforming urban mobility through structured and long-term planning.
183 Additional Buses Needed to Strengthen OperationsDuring the meeting, Rico Waas highlighted the urgent need for additional fleet units to support the BRT system. Medan currently operates 60 buses but requires an additional 183 units to ensure optimal service coverage.
Read Also: Rico Waas Calls for Fair Grab Expansion in Medan "At present, we have 60 buses, but we still need 183 more. I am ready to push forward the procurement process to ensure maximum service delivery. The acquisition will be carried out gradually and carefully calculated," he explained.
The city administration plans a phased procurement strategy to ensure operational stability and service reliability.
Coordination to Prevent Traffic Disruptions During ConstructionTo minimize potential traffic congestion during the construction phase, the Medan City Government is strengthening coordination with the police. The initiative aims to identify and manage potential traffic bottlenecks early, especially in central urban areas.
Read Also: Modern Kartinis Inspire Women’s Empowerment in Medan "We will continue working closely with the police to address possible traffic issues during the BRT construction phase," Rico said.
This cross-sector collaboration is considered essential to maintaining urban mobility throughout the development process.
Deputy Head of Urban Transport at the Directorate General of Land Transportation, Andi Faizah Arsal, confirmed Medan's readiness as a pilot city for the project. Discussions also covered financing schemes, responsibilities, and implementation timelines.
"We hope for full support from the local government. Medan is expected to become a role model for other regions," she stated.
Read Also: Rico Waas Urges Stronger City Cooperation and Fiscal Discipline at APEKSI Conference World Bank representative Nupur Gupta also welcomed the strong collaboration between central and local governments alongside international partners.
"All stakeholders are on the right track. The role of local government is crucial for the success of this project," Gupta said.
She expressed confidence that the project could be completed by 2027, positioning the BRT system as a modern transportation model for Medan.
Concluding the meeting, Mayor Rico Waas reiterated his personal commitment to the project's execution.
Read Also: Medan Accelerates Halal Ecosystem Development, Focuses on SMEs "Whatever obstacles arise, report them directly to me—we will find solutions immediately," he stated.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala