Analisis Pengaruh Keberadaan Halte BRT Lapangan Merdeka Terhadap Kinerja Lalu Lintas Dan Indeks Kepuasan Masyarakat

Abstract

The growth of mass transportation systems in Medan City, such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), offers a solution to traffic congestion, yet the presence of BRT shelters at strategic locations like Lapangan Merdeka also poses challenges to traffic flow and road user comfort. Issues such as increased vehicle density during peak hours and irregular traffic behavior have become key concerns in evaluating the effectiveness of the shelter. This study aims to analyze the impact of the BRT Lapangan Merdeka shelter on traffic performance and the community satisfaction index. A descriptive quantitative approach was employed, using the Indonesian Highway Capacity Guidelines (PKJI) 2023 to assess traffic performance and the Community Satisfaction Index (IKM) method based on nine public service elements to evaluate user satisfaction. Data were obtained through traffic observation and questionnaire distribution to 100 respondents, consisting of 50 shelter users and 50 road users. The results showed that traffic service levels near the shelter were at level B (morning), C (afternoon), and D (evening), with the highest degree of saturation recorded at 0.8041 during the evening peak hours. Meanwhile, the community’s satisfaction with the presence of the BRT stop falls into the “Poor” category, with a converted IKM score of 61.55. These findings indicate that the BRT stop has a tangible impact on traffic flow reduction and public perception. Therefore, strategic recommendations include the installation of reflective directional signs, provision of pelican crossings, deployment of traffic officers during peak hours, and the establishment of active and transparent public feedback mechanisms to improve traffic safety and convenience for all road users around the Lapangan Merdeka BRT stop.