Bali Launches Free Electric Bus Trial on Trans Sarbagita Corridor I
The Bali provincial government began a trial of a free electric bus service on November 9, 2026, running along Trans Sarbagita Corridor I between GOR Ngurah Rai and the GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) tourist area. The trial, open to both residents and tourists at no cost, is scheduled to run through the end of 2026.
On Monday, November 9, 2026, the Bali provincial government began trial operations of a free electric bus service along Trans Sarbagita Corridor I, running from GOR Ngurah Rai to the GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) tourist area. According to I Kadek Mudarta, head of Bali's Transportation Agency (Dishub), passengers can ride for free during the trial period, though they are still asked to tap an electronic payment card so officials can track ridership. Those without a card need not worry, as payment card facilities will be made available on board. The service is operated by Perum DAMRI's Denpasar branch under the coordination of Dishub Bali. The route largely follows the existing Corridor I path with some adjustments: from GOR Ngurah Rai, buses pass through Jalan Melati, Jalan Hayam Wuruk, Bundaran Renon, Jalan Raya Puputan, and Jalan Sudirman before continuing to GWK. The return trip from GWK is routed through the Renon area via Jalan Cok Agung Tresna, Jalan Moh Yamin, Jalan Raya Puputan, Jalan Hayam Wuruk, Jalan Kamboja, Jalan Angsoka, and Jalan Melati, ending at Jalan Pattimura. The provincial government has prepared 11 electric buses, with 10 operating daily and one kept as a rotating backup. The trial is planned to run through the end of 2026. The buses were procured as part of the Bali e-Mobility project, a grant from the South Korean government in cooperation with Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The fleet was officially launched in Denpasar in October 2026. Mudarta encouraged the public to use the new service as an alternative for daily travel, expressing hope it will offer a safe, comfortable, inclusive, and emission-free mobility option, and help reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Things to Consider
If you're traveling between GOR Ngurah Rai and the GWK area (including Sanur, Renon, or along Jalan Sudirman), this free electric bus is worth trying as an alternative to taxis or scooters. Bring an electronic payment card (e.g., a prepaid e-money card) if you have one, though cards can also be purchased on board if needed. Since the service is only running during the trial period through the end of 2026, check with Dishub Bali or local news sources beforehand for the latest schedule and route updates.
Source: Kalteng Lima