The first month of the test operation of the Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) electric buses has been completed. From September 8 to October 6, the first electric bus, fully battery-powered, ran the route from the central parking in Kuta to the ITDC parking in Nusa Dua. According to the Instagram of Kalista, the project partner and technical operator, the electric bus will continue to operate on the route until November 6.
The route passes through key points in the island's tourist area — Ngurah Rai International Airport, Jimbaran, and Mumbul. During the testing period, rides are free, and payments via e-money or QRIS Tap are purely demonstrative, meaning no money is deducted from the account. Electric buses run daily from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
According to Bali Dishub (Bali Transportation Department), the bus is powered by an electric unit with the capability for quick recharging at SPKLU stations. Currently, only one vehicle is operating on the line, but authorities are considering expanding the program to create a whole network of routes between popular resorts.
“This route was chosen for a reason,” a Dishub representative noted. “There is high tourist activity, good infrastructure, and optimal conditions to test the electric bus in real-world conditions."
The company Kalista, specializing in electric transport and charging stations, is responsible for the technical side of the project. They plan to launch at least two more routes with Trans Metro Dewata by the end of the year, covering the areas of Sanur and Ubud.
The head of the transportation department emphasized that this experiment is part of a long-term program to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution. "If the test is successful, we will gradually transition all TMD transport to electric traction. Bali should become a model of green mobility for all of Indonesia," the official stated.
The first passenger reviews are mostly positive. Travelers note the silence in the cabin, the absence of exhaust fumes, and the smooth ride. Some tourists have shared that riding the electric bus is a "little adventure" and a reason to reconsider the habit of taking taxis for short distances.
If the test results are positive, TMD electric buses will become a permanent part of Bali's transportation system by 2026.
Since August 2025, Sanur has its own electric bus shuttle. The shuttles operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Each electric bus is designed for 10–12 passengers. The route starts at Sanur Tourism Junior High School (SMP) stop and passes through key Sanur stops — Sindhu Market, Icon Mall, SPKLU charging station, and ends at the Mertasari Beach parking lot.
The routes of the main red TMD buses remain the same with slight schedule changes. The fare is 4400 rupiah. Payment can only be made cashless.
TMD routes for 2025:
- Corridor 1: Kuta Central Parking → Terminal Persiapan
- Corridor 2: Ubung Terminal → Ngurah Rai Airport
- Corridor 3: Ubung Terminal → Icon Mall Sanur
- Corridor 4: Ubung Terminal → Monkey Forest (Ubud)
- Corridor 5: Kuta Central Parking → Bali State Polytechnic
- Corridor 6: Kuta Central Parking → Nusa Dua
Bus schedule:
- No. 1 — 04:30–18:12
- No. 2 — 05:00–18:37
- No. 3 — 05:00–19:00
- No. 4 — 05:00–18:32
- No. 5 — 05:00–18:33
- No. 6 — 05:00–18:46
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