Measuring individuals' travel behaviour by use of a GPS-based smartphone application in Dar Es Salaam city

Abstract

The use of paratransit has been the most popular transport in many African mega cities. In Dar es Salaam (DES), the system has been the only available public transport for the majority, as the other form of public transport (state-bus) failed to operate in 1990s after a rapid increase of mobility demand. Paratransit transport (e.g., minibuses, motorcycles and tricycles) operates in different forms to cater the diversity of travel demand, both social and economic. However, the lack of adequate road connectivity and of an integrated public transport imposes heavy loads on individuals’ mobility, due to limited travel options and time costs. Therefore, the recent intervention by the Tanzanian government to implement a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is expected to meet the travel demand not only for individuals residing at close proximity, but also for peri-urban areas. However, not much is known about the current travel patterns, including paratransit use, which can be relevant in addressing spatial mobility demand for different individuals. This study focuses on a new method of data collection (GPS-based smartphone application) to test and capture individuals travel behaviour. The method was used to record distances, times and destinations of trips. Socio-demographic data of smartphone users were recorded in survey questionnaires. The results reveal variation in departure times, travelled destinations and trips distances that are spatially limited within neighbourhoods and away to the BRT, and along major road connecting to the Central Business District (CBD). The spatial distribution of the trips patterns shows mobility demand in both high and less connected areas. The short average distance of the trips (≤3km) considered to convey the use of paratransit modes. The GPS-based smartphone application provides an opportunity to policy makers to engage deeply with the spatial reality of local communities as a basis for transport policy improvement and toward an integrated system.