Abstract
This paper sought to establish the level of ambition that exists in local public transport drivers to participate in the mainstream line of economic growth and diversification. The study took a quantitative approach. During the study 100 respondents were randomly chosen. The chosen respondents were found at Gaborone taxi ranks. The taxi routes included in the study were made up of (Gabane, Tlokweng, Broadhurst, Mogoditshane, Ledumang, blocks, Mmopane, Naledi etc.) The evidence suggests that the majority of drivers in the local public transport industry have interest in being absorbed into the more sustainable formal sector. The paper established that the majority of people (67%) employed as public drivers have formal education and some have tertiary qualifications; and if opportunity presents itself they would like to be in other economic parts. It is important to note that those with tertiary qualification are involved in this sector because of estimated 37.5% youth unemployment rate. The remaining 33 % were content remaining in the Industry because of flexible working hours that enables them to do other side businesses. This study is a call to government to intervene in order to consider formalising this sector as a profession. In conclusion; Government and public transport sector should also consider coming up with a medium-term (five years) public transport plan and strategy to promote growth and sustainability of the sector since significant number of the drivers are serving in the industry not out of choice but because they could not obtain employment in their preferred trades. The paper recommends that Government should facilitate the formation of clusters for combi business in order to help the public transport industry to grow and ensure sustainability and hence eliminate the need to migrate to the mainstream sector Keywords: Public Sector Transport, Inclusion, drivers, COVID-19, lockdown DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-10-11 Publication date: May 31 st 2020
Highlights
Public transport is a good way to reduce congestion, environment and health-harming emissions in urban areas, especially when they run on alternative, cleaner fuels
In purview of the above thoughts, this paper sought to establish the level of ambition that exists in local public transport drivers to participate in the mainstream line of economic growth and diversification
In the construct of this paper, the concept of economic diversification was viewed from the perspective of sustainable development to ensure long-term stability of the economy which is evident in the meeting of citizens’ basic requirement which revolves around provision of job, food, health, clothing and shelter by opening diverse avenues of economic activity which accommodates broad spectrum of people
Summary
Public transport is a good way to reduce congestion, environment and health-harming emissions in urban areas, especially when they run on alternative, cleaner fuels. It is apparent that in developing countries the development of public transport industry is not a priority from the central government point of view in terms of support and nurturing though the industry appears to making contribution to employment and economic diversification. In purview of the above thoughts, this paper sought to establish the level of ambition that exists in local public transport drivers to participate in the mainstream line of economic growth and diversification. In the construct of this paper, the concept of economic diversification was viewed from the perspective of sustainable development to ensure long-term stability of the economy which is evident in the meeting of citizens’ basic requirement which revolves around provision of job, food, health, clothing and shelter by opening diverse avenues of economic activity which accommodates broad spectrum of people. The research sought to establish the local public drivers’ level of aspiration to participate in economic diversification while engaged in mainstream private and public industries
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