The roads that are traversed by Corridor 1 are along Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin, Trunojoyo, Sisingamangaraja, Sudirman, MH Thamrin, Medan Merdeka Barat, Gajah Mada / Hayam Wuruk,[2][3] Pintu Besar Utara, Kali Besar Barat, Kunir, and Lada Dalam.

The choice of the Blok M–Kota route for Corridor 1 was a form of outsmarting traffic congestion when Jakarta was unable to build a subway system, which had actually been planned by B.J.

[9] On 15 January 2004, when Jakarta was having a downpour, Transjakarta Corridor 1 was inaugurated by Governor Sutiyoso at the Gelora Bung Karno BRT station (now Senayan Bank DKI).

[10] With the availability of the Transjakarta Busway as a fast, safe and comfortable, on time, and also affordable public transportation, it is hoped that this will be an alternative choice for all parties, especially for those who is using personal cars.The inauguration of Corridor 1 received a lot of enthusiasm from the people of Jakarta, as evidenced by situation of the Kota and Gelora Bung Karno (now Senayan Bank DKI) BRT stations and bus fleets which was overcrowded by Transjakarta passengers.

Despite receiving high enthusiasm, the operation of Corridor 1 was criticized by transportation expert Darmaningtyas six days earlier.