Urgency in The Existence of Publicness: Trans Jogja Bus Service as Public Transport in The Special Region of Yogyakarta

This study examines the extent to which the Trans Jogja Bus (BTJ) operates as a public transportation mode in the Special Region of Yogyakarta through the lens of publicness. It evaluates BTJ's ability to serve the public interest, reduce traffic congestion, and meet local mobility needs. A descriptive, qualitative method was employed, with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. Key informants included BTJ managers, PT AMI and Pool Purosani representatives, the Yogyakarta Transportation Department, and BTJ users. The findings show that BTJ's publicness is demonstrated through four dimensions: (1) service norms centered on openness and outreach, particularly to students; (2) expanded service coverage in terms of routes and facilities; (3) limited effectiveness in reducing congestion due to low passenger volume and preference for private and online transport; and (4) ongoing efforts to build public trust by improving leadership, organizational capability, and safety. The study highlights the need for strategic enhancements in infrastructure, service quality, and digital tools to promote public engagement. The originality of this research lies in its application of the publicness concept to Indonesian transportation in the development of public value in urban mobility systems.