Jakarta Quieter Ahead of Eid, But Online Taxi Drivers Flooded with Orders

JAKARTA - Although many residents are travelling home and Jakarta’s roads appear deserted ahead of Eid, demand for online taxi services remains high. This is evident from the continued influx of ride requests to airports, bus terminals, and ports. The smoother traffic conditions even provide an added advantage for drivers, enabling them to complete more trips in shorter times. One online taxi driver, Ryan, stated that orders are still coming in steadily despite the city’s reduced activity. “Even though the roads are quiet and people are on holiday, the orders are still busy,” said Ryan when met near Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Friday (20/3/2026). “Up to now, there are still orders to the airport, Kampung Rambutan Terminal, Kalideres, Pulo Gebang, and the port,” he added. Moreover, residents who are not travelling home also contribute to the high demand as they continue with their activities or take holidays within the city. “Jakartans who aren’t going home still holiday and need online transport access,” he said. Over about 12 hours of work, he claimed his income could rise to Rp 800,000. “As long as the bids are back-to-back, executing one order straight into the next. Don’t be too picky with orders and don’t rest too long,” he explained. He also gave an example of a fairly high-fare order he received on Thursday night (19/3/2026). According to him, Jakarta’s quiet conditions like this are the situation many drivers hope for, as orders remain busy while trips are faster without traffic jams. “Income can be higher, and passenger drop-offs are quicker because the roads are clear, both on public roads and the Jabodetabek tolls,” he said.