Factors Influencing Commuter Mode Shift Behavior in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) Area

Greater Jakarta’s traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, is worsening due to the high volume of commuters from surrounding areas (Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi – Jabodetabek). Roads are packed with both public and private vehicles, including ride-sourcing options, contributing to increased air pollution from fossil fuel emissions. Encouraging commuters to shift to mass public transportation—such as KRL/Commuter Line, MRT, LRT, and buses—is one of the key strategies to improve the air quality. However, research on the factors influencing this shift in Jabodetabek area remains limited. To address this gap, this study tried to apply the push-pull-mooring (PPM) framework to explore factors influencing commuters’ transport choices and preferences. Using data obtained from 301 respondents that reside in Jabodetabek area, the study identified how different elements affect the shift from private vehicles to public transport and ride-sourcing. The data analysis results show rail-based modes (KRL/Commuter Line/MRT/LRT) are most preferred, followed by two-wheeled and four-wheeled ride-sourcing; and buses are the least favoured. The multiple regression analysis identified the external factors, customer-perceived quality of buses, and pull factors positively affect the commuter’s interest to take public transportation and ride-sourcing services. External factors, like infrastructure and accessibility, also the quality perceived by customers about buses were also identified to enhance the possibility to leave personal vehicles. However, the quality perceived by customers about rail-based public transits (such as KRL/Commuter Line/MRT/LRT) was not identified to influence the commuter’s interest to take public transportation. These findings indicate a more complex relationship between the perceived quality of the rail-based mass public transportation and the commuter’s willingness to shift to public transportation and ride-sourcing options.