Public transport preferences amongst Ghana's urban dwellers

Bibliographic Data

ID21516070
AuthorsMichael Tuffour (0000-0003-3872-9852, University of Environment and Sustainable Development), Rexford Kweku Asiama (0000-0002-3530-2549, University of Environment and Sustainable Development)
Year2023
Volume50
Issue3
Pages419-435
Publication date2023-02-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Social Economics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0306-8293 • E-ISSN: 1758-6712
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/ijse-05-2022-0360
OpenAlexW4309758022
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited34

Purpose This study considered five means of transport, both old and emerging ones and analysed the preferences of city dwellers in a rapidly expanding African city such as Accra. Design/methodology/approach A total of 891 respondents participated and were selected through a multistage sampling method. The Garrett and Kendall's ranking methods, Pearson chi-square test and a choice model were employed to assess respondents' preferences for various means of transport, the motivating factors for these preferences and socio-economic characteristics associated with these preferences. Findings The results show that there are clear preferences with respect to transport choices, which are motivated by factors such as price, comfort, security and even availability. In addition, socio-economic characteristics of respondents such as age, income, car ownership status and employment status are associated with respondents' preference for one means of transport over the other. Research limitations/implications The study analyses transport preferences for modes of transport commonly used in urban areas. The findings have implications for the transport policy adopted in an urban area such as Accra. The findings suggest that for maximum patronage, public authorities in Accra or Ghana may invest more in transport services which are readily available, have moderate prices and provide comfort to urban dwellers. This may improve standard of living of urban dwellers and enhance productivity. Originality/value The paper presents new evidence of drivers that influence choice for traditional and emerging transport services in a developing economy such as Ghana. Not many studies do such comparative analysis. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2022-0360

Business · Car ownership · Economic growth · Economics · Originality · Preference · Productivity · Public economics · Public transport · Qualitative research · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Transport engineering · Economic and Environmental Valuation · Engineering · Transportation Planning and Optimization · Urban Transport and Accessibility

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