Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway handles over 18mil passenger trips in 3 years

Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, colloquially known as Whoosh, has safely transported more than 18 million passengers in just three years since its commercial launch, according to China Railway International Co Ltd. In the first year of operation, the railway completed 58,666 bullet train trips, traveling over 8.9 million kilometers with a 99.4% on-time performance rate, reported Xinhua.

Over the three-year span, the number of daily train services escalated from 14 to a peak of 62, with a record single-day passenger count of 26,770, as per official records.

To cater to diverse travel preferences, the railway introduced flexible ticketing options, dynamic pricing, multi-channel booking systems, and loyalty programs. These enhancements have made the railway more adaptable to various travel habits and budgets. Consequently, the railway has catalyzed economic growth along its route. Local businesses, including tourism, catering, and retail sectors, have clustered around railway stations, generating employment and augmenting household incomes.

Currently, 117 commercial vendors, comprising 29 micro, small, and medium enterprises, operate at stations, offering local delicacies, souvenirs, and cultural products.

The railway also attracts a growing number of international travelers, with over 960,000 foreign visitors transported and served since its inception. The operation team has enhanced station facilities, commercial amenities, and connectivity to last-mile transport options. The railway now operates at speeds of up to 350km per hour, slashing travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from around four hours to approximately 45 minutes, solidifying its position as the first high-speed rail line in Southeast Asia.