Online Motorcycle Taxi Crisis at Rush Hour: Traffic, Budget Fares, and Distant Orders

Jakarta — Multiple users of online motorcycle taxi services (ojol) have complained about the difficulty of finding available drivers, particularly during busy late afternoon hours.

The phenomenon, referred to as an “ojol crisis,” has forced passengers to wait significantly longer for a driver. What is actually happening?

One ride-hailing user, Amo (29), reported waiting nearly 20 minutes for a driver, only to have the order cancelled despite not using a promotional discount.

“I waited almost 20 minutes, and once I got a match, it was immediately cancelled even though I wasn’t using a promotion,” Amo said during a conversation with Kompas.com on Thursday (12 March 2026).

According to Amo, the situation occurs increasingly frequently during peak hours, particularly approaching evening or during rainfall.

“Especially if it’s approaching Maghrib prayer time or raining, there’s even fewer drivers willing to accept,” he added.

“If no one is willing, I usually take the JakLingko bus instead, even though I’m already tired and would prefer to take a motorcycle to get home quickly,” he explained.

He hopes drivers will be less selective when accepting orders, especially during evening rush hour when many people need transportation services.

“I hope drivers don’t pick and choose during rush hour,” he said.

Similar complaints were shared by another passenger, Zahra (26), who reported frequently having difficulty booking a motorcycle taxi during evening rush hour.

“It’s hard for me to book a motorcycle taxi, especially in the afternoon or around iftar time. I have to wait up to 20 minutes,” Zahra said.

“Once I finally get a match, I have to wait another 10 minutes. Because the driver I get is always far away,” she added.

Another user, Naila (25), reported having difficulty finding a driver when booking using the budget-fare option.