The public transportation system in Jakarta, Indonesia has undergone a noteworthy transformation in recent years, particularly with the expansion of the TransJakarta bus system. Over the period of 2016 to 2020, the system experienced a threefold increase in routes and a doubling of the number of buses in operation. The effects of this expansion on ridership and trip flows across the 120-mile network were the primary focus of a comprehensive study titled “Optimal Public Transportation Networks: Evidence from the World’s Largest Bus Rapid Transit System in Jakarta.”
The TransJakarta system incorporates Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines that operate in dedicated bus lanes with designated stations, as well as non-BRT routes that run on city streets and BRT corridors. The objective of the study was to analyze the impact of these changes on bus ridership and aggregate trip flows, utilizing anonymized smartphone location data to measure the effects of new route launches.
One significant finding was the increase in ridership when new direct routes were introduced. In cases where two locations were directly connected, there was a 16 percent increase in ridership, particularly when the new route had similar or faster travel times compared to previous transfer connections. The frequency of buses between locations also played a crucial role, with a 9 percent increase in ridership observed when new routes increased bus frequency.
To interpret these findings, the researchers developed a demand model for public transportation in Jakarta. They found that commuters in the city are more sensitive to wait time for buses than the actual time spent on the bus. This insight sheds light on the importance of reducing wait times and providing direct connections to enhance the overall transit experience.
Moreover, the study compared the current TransJakarta network to an optimal network that would maximize rider welfare. It was revealed that the current network, which is heavily focused on the urban core, could benefit from broader expansion to connect more locations and reduce travel times. The researchers estimated that shifting to an optimal network could potentially shave 23 minutes off the travel time for each bus user, underscoring the substantial impact that network design can have on commuters.
In conclusion, the study offers valuable insights into the factors that influence public transit ridership and trip flows. By understanding the preferences of commuters and the impact of network design, transportation authorities in Jakarta and other cities can make informed decisions to improve public transit systems for the benefit of all passengers.
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