How women use social networks to navigate “informal” public transport systems: a comparative case study of Tshwane and Kampala

Papers presented virtually at the 41st International Southern African Transport Conference on 10-13 July 2083Public transportation in Kampala and Tshwane are akin in more ways than one, most significantly the prevalence of low-capacity, privately-owned minibus taxis which enjoy the highest modal share in the capital cities of Uganda and South Africa respectively. Minibus taxis, although popular due to necessity, are known for several challenges including lack of safety and personal security, poor mechanical condition of vehicles, difficulty in obtaining information due to the informal nature of operations, and lack of standard fare structures, among others. However, due to the absence of viable mode alternatives, women must endure these conditions to access social and economic opportunities. The objective of this study is to highlight the ways through which women demonstrate agency and use their social networks to overcome some of the challenges associated with travelling using informal public transport. Understanding the existing social systems is important to understand the core characteristics of an effective information system for informal transport but can also be harnessed or supported by the more formally organised information sources to improve the commuters’ experience. This study was conducted by collecting and synthesising travel behaviour data in both Tshwane and Kampala. Data collection was done using paper-based travel diaries, photovoice (photos/video clips and voice messages) and information horizon interviews (drawings showing information sources and recorded interviews) in a strongly qualitativebased mixed methods study. The comparative case study approach was used to analyse the cultural and legislative contexts of the cities, as well as any convergent or divergent themes in the role of social networks. The findings of this study provide an opportunity for formalisation efforts of the minibus taxi industry through the provision of accurate and reliable information using already existing and trusted channels of information to assist women with navigating the informal transport industry

Towards the empowered commuter : exploring information behaviour of informal public transport users

Papers presented virtually at the 41st International Southern African Transport Conference on 10-13 July 2023.Information is emerging as one of the key dimensions of mobility, and as an important lever through which sustainable access can be promoted in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) cities. Information acts as an enabler of transport, by allowing travellers to make informed decisions on whether, when, and how they travel. The lack of information can also act as a barrier to accessing desired services, with consequences for the attainment of equity and human development goals. Little is known about what information passengers need and how they find and use information. This paper reports on a qualitative mixed-methods study to explore information behaviour amongst informal transport passengers in Tshwane, South Africa. We use the theory and methods of information science (with information behaviour as a subdiscipline) to provide a lens for the investigation. We collected mobility data through travel diaries, user-submitted photos of the travel context and voice messages to explain these, and in-depth individual interviews combined with drawings of situations where respondents used information and its sources (called information horizon mappings). The drawings and interviews revealed the information-poor environment within which informal transport operates, and the strong reliance on other people as well as tacit embedded knowledge for gaining access to information. The paper concludes by offering directions for further research around digital information

The effect of covid-19 transport regulations on commuters

The Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed lives. In a limited period, the government has adapted to the challenge of safeguarding human life by publishing regulations under the Disaster Management Act of 2002. The regulations limit contact between citizens while continuing to ensure that the provision of basic goods and services are provided. Public transport is at the forefront of daily human interaction and directions focusing on hygiene control and disinfection, loading capacity restrictions and limited operating hours of vehicles and facilities are applied at varying degrees during different lockdown levels. The presentation is a high-level view of the implications of these regulations on commuters: the members of society who ensure basic goods and services are provided and who have no other option but to make use of public transport to provide for their families.Papers presented virtually at the 39th International Southern African Transport Conference on 05 -07 July 202