Kompas reports that Bali’s fuel shortage and long queues at gas stations have fundamentally impacted how people move around the Island. Many residents have suddenly begun using public transportation to get around for daily activities.
This shift has triggered a significant surge in ridership for the “Buy The Service” (BTS) Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) Bus System. According to TMD’s operational data, ridership peaked on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with passengers reaching a record high of 6,501 for the day. This figure represents an increase of 791 passengers—approximately 14 percent—compared to the previous day, Monday. 12 October 2026, which saw 5,710 passengers. Meanwhile, on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the total number of users stood at 5,865.
Ida Bagus Eka Budi P., SE., Operational Manager at PT Satria Trans Jaya—the operator of the Bali BTS – Trans Metro Dewata Bus Service—explained that this upward trend is clear when comparing totals before the Bali fuel crisis with the current situation.
”The average daily ridership from October 1–10 was 5,645 passengers, while the average daily ridership 11-13 October – during the fuel shortage—reached 6,025 passengers,” said Ida Bagus Eka Budi on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
According to Ida Bagus Eka Budi, daily users increased by 380—about 7 percent—compared with the period before the fuel shortage. “There was an increase in the average number of daily users, with 380 more passengers (roughly 7 percent) during the 11-13 October period compared to the 1-10 October period,” he elaborated.
Operational Challenges and Disrupted Schedules
Beyond the surge in bus occupancy, the fuel shortage in Bali has posed significant operational challenges for both the management and the crews of the Trans Metro Dewata (TMD) Bus Fleet. Long queues of vehicles at various gas stations (SPBU) have slowed refueling for the fleet, ultimately complicating the completion of scheduled trips and adherence to daily departure timetables.
Operational records show that on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the TMD fleet completed 255 trips, with only one scheduled trip left unserved. However, obstacles intensified on Monday, 12 October 2026. Completed trips dropped to 239, leaving 17 scheduled trips unserved. On Tuesday, 13 October 2026, TMD completed 240 trips, with 16 trips unfulfilled.
Ida Bagus Eka Budi acknowledged that refueling challenges caused by Bali’s fuel crisis hindered optimal fleet availability and increased the workload for field personnel.
”The downside is that services for the public are reduced, and our staff don’t get to go home until just before dawn. Hopefully, this storm (of reduced fuel availability) will pass quickly,” he stated.
The operator hopes that the fuel supply crisis in Bali can be resolved soon, allowing operations to return to normal. This would enable the Trans Metro Dewata fleet to function optimally again, meet the needs of the Balinese public, and satisfy their enthusiasm for public transportation.
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