Assessment of the sustainability of online food delivery from the perspective of CO2 emissions and transport intensity: A case study in Jakarta

• Analyzed CO 2 emissions and transport intensity of online food delivery in Jakarta. • Used data from 235 delivery instances and 203 customer surveys. • CO 2 emissions from online food delivery are twice as high as without delivery. • Road occupancy from food delivery is 1.4 times higher than without delivery. • Online food delivery significantly increases CO 2 emissions and traffic congestion. This study examines the impact of online food delivery on CO 2 emissions and transport intensity in Jakarta, Indonesia, by integrating data from both delivery drivers and customers. A total of 235 delivery instances were analyzed to discern typical distances and patterns inherent in these services. Additionally, insights into the demand side were obtained through customer surveys, yielding 203 valid responses, that included waiting times, costs, and behaviors related to alternative meal acquisition methods. CO 2 emissions generated by delivery processes were estimated, utilizing travel distances recorded by drivers. The traffic impact was assessed by calculating the road occupancy of motorcycles used for deliveries. Furthermore, the assessment of CO 2 emissions and transport intensity considered hypothetical emission scenarios without such delivery services based on customer indications of their alternative means of meal acquisition. This analysis revealed that frequent short journeys by delivery motorcycles significantly contribute to urban traffic congestion and CO 2 emissions, highlighting the environmental and traffic pressures resulting from the rise of food delivery services. Results from the customer survey revealed a profound dependence on these services, indicating that their availability prompts a significant number of additional trips, thereby exacerbating these impacts. The findings suggest recommendations for mitigating these adverse effects, including promoting the use of electric motorcycles for deliveries and managing demand by reassessing delivery fees to reflect the actual environmental costs.