Whoosh at three: 18 million passengers and a changing Java

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, known as Whoosh, marked three years of operation today, having carried more than 18 million passenger trips since its launch.

The 142.3-kilometer line, which operates at a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour, has cut travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from over three hours to 46 minutes.

Over the past three years, Whoosh has operated 58,666 train services and accumulated more than 8.9 million kilometers of safe operation, with an on-time rate of 99.4%, according to China Railway International.

A busier railway

Daily services have increased from 14 trains at launch to 62 during peak periods. Single-day ridership peaked at 26,770. During the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period, Whoosh carried more than 132,000 passengers, up over 10% year on year, making it one of Indonesia's busiest rail corridors.

Passenger services have also expanded. Since the introduction of a frequent traveler card in June 2024, 47,577 cards have been sold, with 3,366 sold in July 2026 alone – a monthly record and a roughly 45% increase year on year. 

The operator has also introduced flexible fares, multi-channel ticketing, and ticket change services. 

For elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant women, stations are equipped with elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, wider ticket gates, and wheelchair ramps, with 32 priority seats and an accessible restroom on each train. 

More than 25,000 priority passengers have been served.

Customer satisfaction stands at 95.79%, with 98.27% satisfied with punctuality and 97.35% with staff friendliness and professionalism, according to surveys by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), the joint venture between Chinese and Indonesian railway companies that built and operates the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway.

Economic ripple effects

Commercial activity has clustered around stations. There are currently 117 businesses across Halim, Padalarang, and Tegalluar stations, including 29 micro, small, and medium enterprises selling local food, beverages, souvenirs, and cultural products. 

The operator has also partnered with the Bandung Shopping Festival to offer a 20% fare discount for group travelers with event credentials, linking rail travel with shopping, dining, and cultural activities.

International ridership has grown alongside domestic demand. Since launch, Whoosh has served more than 960,000 international passenger trips, according to KCIC.

Safety and localization

The operator has adapted Chinese high-speed rail safety practices to Indonesia's climate and geology, using risk monitoring systems and disaster prevention equipment for real-time oversight and centralized dispatch. 

Joint emergency drills with Indonesian transport, search and rescue, fire, and medical authorities have covered scenarios including train fires, passenger evacuation, medical assistance, and rescue of disabled trains.

"Through Whoosh, I learned advanced driving skills and gained stable employment," said Wawan Setiawan, an Indonesian train driver. "As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, this project has not only improved our infrastructure but also enhanced our national competitiveness."