TITLE:
Users’ Perception on Operation and Performance of Public Transport Systems in African Developing Countries: The Case of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Emmanuel Elifadhili Mchome, Uwezo Wilbard Nzoya
KEYWORDS:
Bus Rapid Transit, Commuters’ Perception, Public Transport System
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
26,
2023
ABSTRACT: Public transport system has been a means of addressing transportation
challenges in urban areas, such as traffic congestion, traffic jam and long
travel time in cities worldwide. Transportation in Africa is unique in that it
has the least developed public transport systems in the world, while also being
one of the fastest urbanizing continents. Bus Rapid Transit being one of the
public transport systems was introduced in Africa in 2008 as a means to provide
solution on urban transportation challenges. Despite of public transport being
the main means of transport in African developing countries, there have been a
number of challenges that affects efficiency of performance of the system and
makes its users uncomfortable. Therefore, the study aimed at exploring the
setbacks or challenges associated with operation and performance of the BRT
system in the African developing countries and address them. The study employed
mixed methods research design that integrates both qualitative and quantitative
data collection methods and analysis. The study findings reveal that, there is
an improvement on the perspectives of the commuters on public transport after
introduction of BRT system. However, some challenges such as long waiting time,
passengers overcrowding during peak hours, as well as safety and security can
slowly change the perspective of the commuters. Therefore, to address these
challenges it is recommended to reduce the long waiting time and improve
accessibility by introduction of passenger information displays (bus
information system) and automated fare collection system; reduce travel time by
introduction of bus priority signal; and improve safety and security by
introduction of signage and CCTV Camera within the bus and bus stops.