Paratransit fares and commuters' modal choice: a study of . industrial workers in Sameer Park EPZ, Nairobi.

Abstract

Paratransit operations playa key role in serving the mobility needs of both the low income and the middle income populace in developing countries. The extent to which this means of public transport is affordable is key in determining whether their basic mobility needs are met. Matatu means of transport which is a form of paratransit in Kenya has grown over the years since independence. Despite the increased numbers of matatu operations in Kenya, a significant proportion of Kenyans in the urban setting continue to use non motorised means of transport such as walking or bicycles to get to their work destinations. This study interrogates the effects of paratransit fares on work trip modal choices of industrial workers. It proposes that matatu fares affect commuters' modal choice, implying that industrial workers may opt to use other modes of transport to get to work if they cannot afford to pay for matatu use. The study objectives were met by carrying out a field survey and case study interviews on the modal choices of industrial workers in Sameer Park EPZ. Key informant interviews were also carried out to collect information on fares. The study found that industrial workers who could not afford to use matatus for their work trips relied solely on NMT or used matatus interchangeably with NMT. The study also found that apart from fares, there were also other factors that influenced modal choice. A key finding was that a significant proportion of industrial workers resided at informal settlement areas which were close to Sameer Industrial Park. The study concludes that paratransit fares influence industrial workers modal choices. The study recommends the establishment of a fare regulatory board which would set and control fares of all public transport means.