Exploring urban air mobility as a feeder to high-speed rail: Evidence from Jakarta–Bandung, Indonesia

Abstract

The Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Rail, Indonesia's first high-speed rail project and the only operational system in Southeast Asia, connects Jakarta to Bandung with a terminus at Tegalluar Station. Despite its potential to significantly reduce travel time, limited last-mile connectivity and severe traffic congestion impede efficient access from Tegalluar to Bandung's central business district. This study explores urban air mobility (UAM) as a potential solution, offering faster and more flexible travel options compared to traditional motorized transport. A mixed multinomial logit model reveals that travel time, travel cost, and access cost significantly influence mode preferences. The results also indicate that individuals from Generation X (ages 41 and above) are more inclined to choose UAM over other modes, as Generation Y (ages 25–40) shows stronger preferences for conventional transport options such as BRT, car ride-hailing, train and car. Income also plays a role: those earning 13–14 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately USD 2700–2900 per month in purchasing power parity terms) are more likely to choose UAM over car ride-hailing and train services. Structural equation modelling further indicates anxiety, attitude, perceived cost, performance expectancy, perceived value of time-saving, perceived safety, and social influence significantly influence the intention to adopt UAM. These findings underscore the importance of integrating UAM with high-speed rail services through multimodal strategies, tiered pricing, and public demonstrations and communication campaigns to promote trust, highlight time-saving benefits, and support broader adoption.