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Indonesia Makes the List of Asia's 10 Best Public Transport Countries

Friday, 16 January 2026 | 17:00

Author: Arif S

TransJakarta
TransJakarta is the backbone of the transportation system in Jakarta.
Source: TransJakarta

Public Transportation is not merely a means of moving from one place to another. Its presence drives economic growth while facilitating daily activities for both citizens and tourists. This principle forms the foundation for several Asian countries in building modern mobility systems, including Indonesia.

In Asia, several countries have successfully developed affordable, punctual, and interconnected Public Transportation networks, ranging from intercity High-Speed Rail to modern urban transit systems.

Cited from The Nation, Japan still holds the top position in Public Transportation development. Notably, Indonesia now ranks among Asia's top 10 countries with well-regarded public transit systems.

Japan is nearly always mentioned when discussing the best public transport.

The Shinkansen and Railway network in the Land of the Rising Sun are globally recognized for their speed, safety, and punctuality.

In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, seamless intermodal travel is achieved through exceptionally well-integrated systems.

South Korea follows in second place with extensive, advanced transit networks, particularly in Seoul. Real-time multilingual journey information is widely available.

Meanwhile, smart card payment systems make transfers practical and efficient.

Singapore ranks third with highly reliable public transport. MRT reaches nearly every corner of the city, complemented by bus networks.

Meticulous planning, strict regulations, and periodic facility upgrades minimize congestion and delays.

China holds fourth position with the world's largest high-speed rail network, connecting numerous major cities.

Metro systems in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are rapidly expanding, featuring digital tickets, extensive route coverage, and relatively affordable fares.

Hong Kong ranks fifth thanks to its MTR system, frequently praised for punctuality and cleanliness.

This system integrates with buses, ferries, and trams, ensuring comfortable mobility without private vehicles.

Taiwan ranks sixth, offering commuter and tourist-friendly transit experiences. Taiwan High-Speed Rail connects major western cities.

Meanwhile, metro systems in Taipei and Kaohsiung are known for reliability, user-friendliness, and affordable fares.

United Arab Emirates shows rapid development, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Metro is recognized as one of the world's longest driverless automated networks, featuring modern station facilities and smart ticketing systems.

Malaysia continually enhances its public transport quality. In Kuala Lumpur, MRT, LRT, and monorail networks are expanding rapidly, offering reliable journeys at relatively low costs, though development continues.

Thailand relies on BTS Skytrain and Bangkok MRT as urban transport backbones.

These systems help reduce capital congestion and are considered efficient and well-maintained.

Closing the list at 10th place, Indonesia demonstrates significant progress, especially in Jakarta.

Jakarta MRT and TransJakarta bus systems have transformed citizen mobility.

Despite ongoing challenges, continuous investments gradually expand service coverage and improve reliability.

Indonesia's entry into Asia's top 10 public transit systems marks a new chapter, making exploration of the archipelago's cities increasingly easy, connected, and aligned with modern life rhythms.