Blind Passengers’ Travel Experiences: An Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities of Traveling by Train in Indonesia

Abstract

This research investigates the experiences of blind passengers using long-distance intercity trains. Although prior research has been done on transportation use by blind consumers, their customer experience in Indonesia has yet to be thoroughly examined. This study employs Smith’s Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA) method, conducting video conference interviews with six blind passengers who frequently travel on long-distance intercity trains. These in-depth interviews were analyzed using double hermeneutics to develop the Blind Passenger Journey Mapping (BPJM) and Blind Passenger Journey & Experience (BPJE) models. The findings reveal that blind passengers often require assistance at nearly all touchpoints and need more accessible services throughout their journey. Two main themes emerged: Blind Passenger Experience (BPE) and Sighted Mobility Oriented Assistant (SMOA). The paper identifies significant gaps and opportunities in the current service design for blind passengers, suggesting that addressing these through entrepreneurial initiatives cannot only improve inclusivity and accessibility but also revolutionize the travel industry by opening a potentially underserved market, promoting a more equitable and sustainable travel ecosystem.