Role of ride-hailing in multimodal commuting

Abstract

The high rate of urbanization, dependence on private vehicles, and less integrated transportation systems in Jakarta’s metropolitan city and surrounding areas (called 'Jabodetabek' or Greater Jakarta) make congestion a chronic problem. Some challenges, such as the distance to stations/stops of mass public transport services beyond walking distance and the first-mile/last-mile public transportation is neither widely available nor reliable, have resulted in difficulties for existing public transport users to commute. This study aims to understand the role of ride-hailing on commuters’ multimodal journeys in Greater Jakarta, particularly in its role in complementing mass transportation. Face-to-face interviews with 5,064 commuters at mass transport service stations selected randomly and proportionally based on the number of commuters for each mass transport service were conducted from the end of December 2019 until the beginning of March 2020. A descriptive analysis describes the commuters’ profiles, their multimodal and multi-segment trips, and their ride-hailing use for their journeys. Ride-hailing has a complementary role to mass transport users, with almost half of them using the service for the first-mile and/or last-mile part of their journeys. Important factors affecting their decisions are identified, of which the top five are factors related to the service quality of mass transport and aspects related to access to ride-hailing services. An environmental impact analysis was conducted by comparing the GHG emissions of commuters’ current and previous main mode choices. The role of ride-hailing for first-mile/last-mile is essential to influence the shift from using private vehicles to mass public transportation, which eventually can reduce emissions. Several recommendations are provided to policymakers, mass transport operators, and ride-hailing service providers to create a seamless multimodal journey for commuters.