Analytics Reveal the Extent of Congestion Reduction Impact of the MRT Jakarta, Indonesia’s First Subway
One of the most common goals of developing new or expanding existing transit systems is to alleviate traffic congestion. The MRT Jakarta, Indonesia’s first subway, was designed with that goal in mind.
In two studies published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research and Findings, Monash University Indonesia-led research applied urban data analytics to assess whether, and to what extent, the MRT Jakarta had reduced congestion.
Dr. Alyas Widita, the principal investigator of these studies, said, "Studying the effect of transit on congestion is of interest to many stakeholders, particularly in a city like Jakarta where congestion is a significant issue. However, quantifying the congestion relief impact has historically been a challenge, not only in Jakarta but also across cities worldwide."
"The good news is that, thanks to advances in data availability and analytical techniques, urban researchers, policymakers, and concerned citizens can now obtain a more precise understanding of the issue."
Source: Widita (2024)
In these studies, researchers compared roadway performance between street corridors that ‘host’ the MRT Jakarta against otherwise similar road segments where the MRT Jakarta did not exist. Roadway performance data was derived by placing ‘virtual sensors’ along these corridors. The researchers then queried travel time needed to travel between sensors using web-mapping services a few months before the MRT Jakarta was inaugurated and over a year after.
"Results from our studies basically say: Yes, the opening of MRT Jakarta reduced congestion," said Dr. Widita.
"The magnitude of congestion reduction impact was approximately 34%, depending on the time of day, which is comparable to, say, Anderson’s Los Angeles-based study."
Source: Widita (2024)
Dr. Widita added, "As the congestion eased up, it opened up the opportunity for policymakers, planners, urban designers, and communities to reimagine street design. Many municipalities have adopted ideas such as complete streets, slow streets, among others. In that sense, transit could serve not only to bring people from point A to point B, but also act as a catalyst for broader urban transformation."
Continuing the line of research on the congestion relief impact of transit, Dr. Widita is currently spearheading a study assessing the congestion relief impact of the LRT Jabodebek. He noted, "The extent of congestion reduction of the LRT Jabodebek would likely differ from that of the MRT Jakarta, knowing that the former operates mostly along the highway, which is a different setting than where the latter operates."
Dr. Widita sees the applicability of using similar methods to other contexts, noting that the approaches are scalable and could be adopted elsewhere. "As Indonesia is urbanizing, there is a pressing need to shed light on how and to what extent large-scale urban and transportation investments could bring about more sustainable and resilient cities," Widita said.
Read the full papers published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research, 'Impact of the MRT Jakarta on Congestion: Evidence from a Before-After, Treatment-Control Evaluation', and Findings, 'Medium- and Long-Term Impacts of Transit on Congestion: Jakarta’s Experience'.
About Master of Urban Design at Monash University, Indonesia
The Master of Urban Design (MUD) program at Monash University, Indonesia is designed for professionals and individuals interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in urban design. The comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including sustainability, smart cities, urban policy, and practical application through real-world projects. This program equips graduates with the expertise needed to address complex urban design challenges, making it ideal for those working in government agencies, architectural firms specializing in urban design, and urban enthusiasts.
With over half of the world's population living in urban areas, and this number expected to rise to two-thirds by 2050, the demand for skilled urban designers who can create sustainable and livable cities is higher than ever. In Indonesia, rapid urbanization and population growth pose unique challenges that require innovative solutions from trained urban designers. Apply to our Master of Urban Design (MUD) program, which equips you with the expertise to create sustainable and livable cities for the future!
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