Abstract
Rural people need access to markets and services. In developing countries, where private vehicle ownership is limited, villagers depend on public transport services. However, research evidence available to inform policy formulation is often extremely limited. To better understand the characteristics, costs, frequencies and acceptability of rural transport services in Ghana, data was collected using a methodology developed by the International Forum for Rural Transport and Development. This methodology combines traffic count data with structured qualitative interviews with transport users, operators, regulators and local development experts. A key finding concerned motorcycle taxis which, although officially banned in 2012, remain a common sight in rural Ghana and are generally appreciated by transport users and other stakeholders. Following our presentation of findings to an audience of national stakeholders and policy-makers, a consensus emerged to continue restricting commercial motorcycle operations in cities and on highways, but allowing them on rural roads, if combined with appropriate safety training and regulations. These findings feed into an ongoing policy debate about motorcycle taxi transport in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Highlights
Rural women, men and children in developing countries need access to markets, health facilities and education
Users are generally dissatisfied with rural transport services, satisfaction levels vary from region to region, from one mode of transport to another, and between genders
The conclusions of more detailed research studies (e.g. Atuoye et al, 2015; Danso-Wiredu, 2011) have been corroborated by the qualitative responses to these surveys, suggesting that access to medical facilities, attendance at schools, and livelihood opportunities are being limited in rural Ghana due to poor rural transport services
Summary
Men and children in developing countries need access to markets, health facilities and education. Conventional transport services are complemented by intermediate means of transport, notably motorcycle taxis and, to a much lesser extent, motor tricycles Motorcycle taxis represent both a solution and a problem. Given the relatively recent but rapid spread of motorcycle taxis in rural sub-Saharan Africa, there is an urgent need to gain an up-to-date and enhanced understanding of the prevailing rural transport situation This will help to inform policy-making and identify key areas for policy intervention and/or further in-depth investigations, including arguments for and against the current ban on motorcycle taxis and commercial motor tricycles. An RTSI diagnostic study is a quick and relatively low-cost exercise to provide an up-to-date understanding of both the access and mobility issues of rural communities and how various public transport services (conventional and intermediate) are perceived by users, operators, regulators and those concerned with rural development. This Ghana RTSI study is the first conducted by a team of researchers (this paper's authors minus Starkey) who were not involved in the development of the methodology, boding well for the usage and applicability of this policy-oriented research exercise at national or even local level in development countries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
