PROMOTION OF RAILWAY USE BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO RAILWAY STATIONS IN JAKARTA METROPOLITAN AREA

Many urban areas in developing countries, especially those considered emerging economies, are facing traffic congestion due to high rate of motorization. Though road-based public transport has been the primary mode for motorized trips, some developing countries possess railway networks in urban areas. Historically, passenger access to railway stations has been rarely considered. However, a railway having the highest passenger capacity can play a key role in alleviating traffic congestion in urban areas. This study aims to pursue appropriate measures to improve access to railway stations in developing countries. Two pilot projects, a park-and-ride and feeder bus service, were conducted at each railway station in suburban cities of Jakarta. According to the pre- and post-interview survey results on the park-and-ride project, users were generally satisfied with the project. In particular, some car commuters shifted to using railway and were highly satisfied. On the other hand, the interview survey results on the pilot project for the feeder bus service revealed that residents around the railway stations, especially those from high-income group, are rarely motivated to use the provided free feeder bus service to railway stations. By comparing the two results, bearing in mind that parking lots around the station and access roads to the station are required, it was found that park-and-ride can be an affordable railway promotion measure. It is also noteworthy that the railway service level is still a key factor affecting modal shift.