A new and better normal for urban mobility in Indonesia

Indonesia, like the rest of the world, has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But amidst the crisis, urban mobility planners see an unexpected opportunity: a chance to rethink public transportation and lay the foundation for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility future.

The pandemic has disrupted public transport everywhere, and Jakarta is no exception. Yet, early responses show a glimmer of hope. In May 2020, random PCR testing of 325 asymptomatic commuter-rail passengers revealed only three positive cases—indicating a less than 1% prevalence rate in what was once the busiest urban rail corridor in the country. This suggests that mask mandates and physical distancing measures have been effective.

However, daily ridership plummeted to just 15% of pre-pandemic levels due to widespread work-from-home policies and travel restrictions. The city’s bus rapid transit system, TransJakarta, slashed services to just 10% of its pre-pandemic seat-kilometer capacity. While necessary in the short term, these reductions bring long-term challenges that could reshape Indonesia’s transport landscape for years to come.

Public Transport in Crisis: The Challenges Ahead

With service cuts, TransJakarta was able to reallocate resources—buses transported healthcare workers, and fleets supported emergency logistics. Yet, the economic downturn is putting enormous pressure on public transport sustainability.

1. Declining Revenue and Increased Costs

Public transport operators rely heavily on farebox revenue, which has plummeted as people stay home. At the same time, pandemic-proofing measures hand sanitizers, temperature checks, protective equipment add new costs.

2. Budget Constraints and the Risk of Service Cuts

Government subsidies play a crucial role in keeping public transport afloat. However, with national budgets being reallocated to pandemic response, transport funding faces potential cuts. This could reduce service frequency, forcing passengers to wait longer and pushing them towards private vehicles, undoing 15 years of progress in Jakarta’s transit system.

3. The Risk of Losing Public Trust

If passengers perceive public transport as unreliable or unsafe, they may abandon it permanently. Winning back riders after prolonged disruptions will be difficult, requiring a strong commitment to making transit both safe and efficient.

Balancing Lives and Livelihoods: A Difficult Choice

Like major cities worldwide, Jakarta faces the delicate task of reopening its economy while minimizing health risks. After months of restrictions, a new normal is inevitable but what will it look like for urban mobility?

Building the “New Normal” for Urban Transport

1. A Shift in Public Space Etiquette

We are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic norms anytime soon. Just as post-SARS Hong Kong and Taiwan normalized mask-wearing, Indonesia may adopt lasting public health measures. Hand sanitizers, physical distancing, and even regulations against unhygienic habits like public spitting could become standard in urban spaces.

2. A New Balance Between Efficiency and Resilience

Traditionally, public transport has been designed for efficiency—maximizing capacity and minimizing costs. The pandemic, however, highlights the need for resiliency. More space per passenger means reduced load factors and lower fare revenues, but it also ensures public safety. Operators may need to redefine performance indicators, prioritizing adaptability alongside efficiency.

Cities may also need public health experts embedded within transport agencies, advising on policies and guiding responses to future outbreaks. COVID-19 has shown how quickly guidelines can evolve—having in-house expertise can help transit systems remain agile in a fast-changing landscape.

3. Reinforcing Public Transport as an Essential Service

A successful urban mobility future hinges on one fundamental principle: public transport is a right, not a privilege. Governments must commit to sustained funding, ensuring that transit remains accessible and resilient. Cutting subsidies would be a step backward, reducing service frequency and driving passengers toward private transport, increasing congestion and emissions.

4. The Unexpected Upside of Remote Work

There may be a silver lining to the work-from-home revolution. Urban mobility has long struggled with peak-hour congestion, as transport systems are overwhelmed during morning and evening rush hours. A widespread shift toward remote work could help flatten the commuting curve distributing travel demand more evenly throughout the day and reducing overall trip rates.

Cities like London, New York, Paris, and Berlin are already expanding bike lanes to support more sustainable mobility options. Jakarta and other Indonesian cities have yet to fully embrace this shift, but a post-pandemic cycling resurgence remains a hopeful possibility.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our world, and urban mobility is at a crossroads. Indonesia now has a unique opportunity to redefine its transport systems to build a future that prioritizes sustainability, resilience, and accessibility.

The choices made today will determine whether public transport emerges stronger or weaker from this crisis. A better normal is within reach but only if we seize this moment to rethink, reform, and rebuild our cities for the future.

source :

https://www.urbanet.info/urban-mobility-in-indonesia/