Irma Yusfida, Samira Ramezani, Felix Johan Pot, Taede Tillema, Ibnu Syabri
Captive transit users are likely to be more vulnerable to public transport service disruptions than choice users. However, what precisely is a captive user? Sociodemographic characteristics have up till now been mainly used to make assumptions on who are captive and who are choice users. However, transit users with similar sociodemographic characteristics may have distinct life situations and spatiotemporal constraints. This study contributes to understanding public transport captivity by examining perceived captivity concerning experienced and measured spatiotemporal constraints, following time-geography theory. Based on a 2022 survey in the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area, two-way clustering based on perceived constraints was used to capture transit user segments. Ordinal regression analysis was then performed to examine the role of constraint perception segment membership in comparison to measurable sociodemographic factors and spatial instrumental capability constraints in explaining perceived transit captivity. Results revealed that perceived capability and coupling constraints are significant factors in defining transit user segments. Three clusters were identified: flexible commuters, commuters with responsibilities, and non-driving constrained commuters. The findings show that non-driving constrained commuters and commuters with responsibilities (to a lesser extent) are more captive than flexible commuters. Segmenting users based on an individual time-geography approach helps to accurately identify captive and choice users and the in-between groups. Results provide insights for policymakers about the most vulnerable groups. It helps to develop tailor-made strategies targeting different transit user segments with differing constraints to promote transit usage and reduce transport poverty. © 2025 The Author(s)
School of Architecture, Planning and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia; Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, Landleven 1, AD, Groningen, 9747, Netherlands; Ministry of Transportation Republic Indonesia, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat No.8, Central Jakarta, 10110, Indonesia; Program Studi Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, South Lampung, 35365, Indonesia