Notes on Wosh Indonesia's High-Speed Railway

Introduction

• The Wosh is Indonesia's high-speed railway connecting Jakarta and Bandung.
• Name "W" stands for Optimal: Saving Time, Optimal Operations, Good System.

Technical Specifications

• Service speed: 350 km/h, similar to Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway.
• Train model: CR 400 AF (8-car K 400 AF trains).
  • Capacity: 600 passengers per train.
• Infrastructure: 142 km long, uses standard gauge track and 25 kV AC overhead wires.
• 24 daily departures; trains every 25-62 minutes.
• First departure: Halim at 6:40 AM; last at 8:30 PM.

Stations and Connectivity

1. Halim Station

   • Connected to LRT Bassi Line and Trans Jakarta Line.
   • Offers a one-seat ride to Chang Central BRT Shelter.
   • Bus services to Halim and Suano Hat airports.
   • Features food options, feels like a mall.

2. Kang Station (Under Construction)

   • Expected opening: 2025.
   • Suggestion to run shuttle buses to Aon M Delta Mas.

3. Padalarang Station

   • Most passengers disembark.
   • Transfer options: W feeder train to Bandung Station.
   • 15-minute transfer window to feeder train.
   • Connects to Transmetro Pasundan Line 2.
   • Road congestion is a concern.

4. Galur Station

   • Surrounded by residential areas.
   • Limited transportation options: buses to Suar Bandung.

Future Expansion

• Plans to extend line to Surabaya, with two proposed routes: via Semarang and Jakarta.
• The Jakarta route seems more likely for initial expansion due to tourist destinations.

Passenger Experience

• Similarities to flying:
  • Ear discomfort due to pressure changes from elevation.
  • Boarding process involves security checks.
  • Ticket purchase available at the station.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Premium economy class: 250,000 Rupiah.
  • Online booking may reduce cost to 200,000 Rupiah.

Urban Planning Issues in Bandung

• Bandung metropolitan area: 2.5 million in the city, 9 million in the metro area.
• Lack of rapid transit options: only a single corridor of un-electrified commuter rail service.
• Need for multiple Metro lines (at least 5) for better connectivity.
• High congestion observed; many prefer driving due to inadequate public transport.

Conclusion

• Ridership currently between 18,000 - 24,000 passengers daily, below target of 29,000.
• Importance of improving public transport to tourist destinations.
• Comparison: Beijing high-speed railway has 82,000 daily riders due to a larger population.
• Verdict: Wosh deserves S Tier in the Jakarta rail line tier list.