Whoosh Passenger Numbers Decline During 2026 Holiday Season: What Happened?

The number of Whoosh high-speed train users declined sharply during this year’s holiday season. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) shows that the number of Whoosh passengers in July 2026 reached 579,000 people. While this represents the highest figure so far this year, it marks a 0.17% decrease compared to the same period last year (580,000).

This decline occurred despite an increase in public mobility during the even-semester school holiday period, which typically drives domestic tourism and the use of various transport modes. BPS recorded that domestic tourist trips in July 2026 reached 107.44 million, up 7.23% compared to July 2025, with West Java remaining the top destination for domestic travellers.

Passenger numbers during the school holidays have trended downwards. For the June-July period in 2026, Whoosh passengers reached 1.102 million people, a decrease from the June-July 2025 period (1.135 million) and the June-July 2024 period (1.154 million).

Looking specifically at July, the figures also declined. Although July 2026 set a record for the year, the number of trips was slightly lower than the same period last year, when trips were recorded at approximately 580,000—about 1,000 higher than July 2026. The gap is even wider when compared to July 2024, when Whoosh trips reached approximately 618,000, roughly 39,000 higher than the July 2026 figure.

The decline in passenger numbers during July and the June-July holiday season is likely caused by ticket prices and changes in promotional strategies. For July 2026, KCIC implemented dynamic pricing during the school holiday period, with premium economy fares starting from Rp250,000. In contrast, fares recorded in July 2024 were in the range of Rp150,000 to Rp200,000.

Dynamic pricing has been in effect since February 2024, offering fare options ranging from Rp150,000, Rp175,000, Rp200,000, and Rp225,000 up to Rp250,000. During the holiday season, promotions included a 20% discount for trips to Halim Station (Jakarta) to commemorate the 497th anniversary of Jakarta. However, prices during the 2024 holiday season were more varied and cheaper.

In the 2025 holiday season, the promotional strategy was far more aggressive. During the June-July school holidays, KCIC offered discounts of up to 50%, including 20% for groups, 43% via the Frequent Whoosher Card, and 50% through the Whoosh Edutrip programme. In contrast, during the 2026 holiday season, the promotional pattern has shifted from direct discounts towards vouchers and cashback through digital platforms.