MRT Jakarta Modernises Fare Collection at 13 North-South Line Stations
Getting on the MRT in Jakarta is about to become considerably more flexible. The metro operator has awarded a contract to Hitachi Rail and local partner PT Softorb Technology Indonesia to replace the fare collection infrastructure across the initial segment of the North-South Line, covering more than 200 units at 13 stations.
The project, formally titled the CP111 MRT Jakarta AFC System Development & Performance Improvement deal, goes beyond a simple hardware swap. The upgraded gates will process a broad range of payment formats: EMV contactless bank cards, QR-based e-wallets, prepaid bank cards, paper tickets, and mobile QR tickets. Crucially, the new equipment will also connect to an account-based ticketing framework, a shift that moves fare management away from card-stored value and toward cloud-linked passenger accounts.
What Account-Based Ticketing Means in Practice
For everyday commuters and visitors alike, account-based ticketing removes the need to load credit onto a dedicated transit card before travel. A rider can tap a contactless bank card or scan a QR code directly at the gate, with the fare calculated and deducted afterward. The system also ties into JakLingko, Jakarta's integrated public transport network, meaning a single payment method can theoretically cover trips across different modes.
Gabriel Koe, who leads Hitachi Rail's operations across Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, noted on August 20 that the improvements in performance and payment flexibility are designed to create a more streamlined experience for Jakarta's growing ridership base.
This is not Hitachi Rail's first involvement with MRT Jakarta's fare infrastructure. The company, alongside Sumitomo, was previously contracted to supply automatic fare collection equipment for the Phase 2A extension of the same North-South Line, which is still under construction.
Why It Matters for Hosts
Independent accommodation operators in Jakarta, particularly those catering to international visitors, can use this development as a practical selling point. Guests who arrive without a local prepaid transit card will soon be able to tap their existing contactless bank card or use a QR-based wallet at MRT gates, removing a common friction point for first-time visitors. Hosts who include transit guidance in their welcome materials should update those resources once the new system goes live, noting that foreign-issued contactless cards and popular QR payment apps will be accepted. Clear, current transit information is one of the simplest ways an independent operator can improve the arrival experience and reduce the number of questions guests ask before they leave the property.
Looking Ahead
No completion date for the fare system upgrade was included in the available reporting. Travelers planning to use the MRT North-South Line in the near term should continue to verify current accepted payment methods before their trip, as the transition will take time to roll out across all 13 stations.
Details of this contract were first reported by IndexBox.
First reported by indexbox.io.