ICT-enabled public transportation systems based on travel patterns and travel behaviour constructs: the case of Bloemfontein and Gaborone

Abstract

Efficient public transportation is promoted as an alleviator of urban transportation problems for reasons of social, economic and environmental sustainability. Over the years, the development of information communication technologies (ICT) has been studied and promoted as a solution to many problems of urban sprawl, including urban transportation. In efforts to make transportation in urban areas more sustainable, the use of public and non-motorised transportation is endorsed over the use of private vehicles. However, the attractiveness of public transportation is limited by factors such as affordability and the users’ level of desperation. Private vehicles offer the efficiency, reliability, comfort and freedom that the public transportation systems lack. It is suggested that ICT, which are envisaged to improve the attractiveness of public transportation by improving accessibility to travel information and limiting the need to travel, be incorporated into the public transportation systems to create ICT-enabled public transportation systems. Information communication technologies can be used to assist and improve travel. It could change travel patterns and influence sustainable travel behaviour by providing platforms for planning, information and payment, as well as essentially increasing the effectiveness of public transportation and increasing its overall appeal. The attractiveness of public transportation would catalyse a modal shift from private to public transportation. It would also improve travel time, specifically those portions of time usually spent waiting for, and in, public transportation. Spatio-temporal concerns about trips taken when using public transportation, including the number of trips caused by the inaccessibility of transportation services, time spent on travelling and waiting, as well as trip flow within an urban area all contribute to a disinterest in the use of public transportation. Therefore, public transportation planning that takes into consideration the desired extended socioeconomic sustainability was investigated. Travel behaviour and patterns in the cities of Bloemfontein, South Africa, and Gaborone, Botswana, were explored to identify trends and ways in which ICT could be incorporated to promote sustainable travel patterns, behaviour and ICTenabled public transportation systems. The research was divided into two studies, both using data gathered through questionnaire surveys conducted in Bloemfontein and Gaborone. The first study was focused on reviewing the socioeconomic factors influencing travel within the cities. The present state of public transportation based on users’ experiences and perceptions was assessed. Land-use for areas of residence and regular travel, travel distance, and transportation accessibility were also examined to determine spatial influences on travel and accessibility. Accessibility of transportation was assessed in terms of distance and time travelled regularly, as well as the modes of transportation used. Modal split and factors influencing the choice to use a mode of transportation were also determined. Thereafter, private vehicle usage, its influences, and various possibilities of modal shift were evaluated. The influence of ICT on current travel behaviour and patterns, as well as possibilities for the use of ICT in travel and improving the sustainability of public transportation systems were also assessed. The analysis showed the need for ICT to improve public transportation, as well as to increase ridership. However, private vehicle use is still prevalent, and users are not willing to shift modes, unless there are specific improvements implemented in the public transportation systems. The main focus of the second study was on travel patterns and the use of ICT by public transportation users. Geographical trip origins and destinations of individual public transportation users were analysed to identify travel patterns and trip formations. The analysis showed a concentration of destinations for work trips in the central areas of both cities and the dispersions of residential areas. Most public transportation trips originate from less affluent areas of the cities, ending in the city centres and areas of mixed land-use. Access to ICT is high, but its usage for travel purposes is uncommon among public transportation users in both cities. Activities based on ICT performed during travel are not travel-related, but mostly of a social and entertainment nature. Furthermore, substituting ICT for travel, thereby reducing the need to travel, is attractive to public transportation users, but currently, there are limited structures in place for most regular activities, education and work purposes. Based on the analysis of the results of the study, guidelines and recommendations for sustainable public transportation are presented in this study. Inclusive transportation planning to accommodate all demographics of the study areas, land-use zoning measures that promote transportation accessibility, as well as measures and considerations for integrating ICT are suggested. Policy considerations for future public transportation systems, as well as guidelines for ICT-enabled public transportation are also offered in the study.