University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh UNIVERSITY OF GHANA DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES BY RESIDENTS IN THE ACCRA METROPOLITAN AREA BY DOMINIC EDEM HOTOR (10507693) THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MPHIL GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEGREE JULY, 2016 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DECLARATION I, Dominic Edem Hotor, declare that apart from specific references which have duly been acknowledged, this work is the result of my own original research and that this dissertation either whole or in part has not been presented elsewhere for another degree. ……………………………………. …………………………… Dominic Edem Hotor (Date) (Student) SUPERVISORS ………………………………….. ….…………………………. Dr. Isaac K. Arthur (Date) (Principal supervisor) ………………………………….. ……………………………. Dr. Ernest Agyemang (Date) (Co-supervisor) i University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ABSTRACT Public transport is crucial for the growth of any economy and trade, both of which are highly dependent on the conveyance of people and goods. However, there is, in many cities of developing countries, a major challenge of adjusting the existing system of mobility to the evolving transportation needs of the people. The situation in the Accra Metropolitan area provides a template of the circumstance in most of these city-regions. Against this backdrop, the study investigated the use of public transport service in the Metropolis through a comprehensive mode choice analysis, reasons for mode choice and challenges of urban transport accessibility. Within a mixed method of research, 3 sub-metros of the Accra Metropolitan area were purposively selected, where 210 purposively selected respondents were obtained for the surveys. Additionally, 13 interviews were conducted with the various transport stakeholders. The study reports trotro as the main transport mode choice of the residents and factors like income level, education level, age and occupation type other than factors like sex, household size and marital status, influence the modal choice of residents within the Metropolis. Also, respondents attributed their main reason for mode choice as due to economic reasons, timeliness, safety and personal security. Distance to transit points and terminals were also determining factors for modal choice. Waiting times at the terminals, time spent in vehicles before they set off all shape their choice and use of the transport services available. Major challenges associated with public transport included vehicular traffic delays, mechanical breakdowns and non-availability of services at salient periods. The study recommends an improved BRT and a possible LRT system to aid mobility in the Metropolis. Also, development of arterial and access routes, road pricing, efficient traffic management and adoption of the Park and Ride system are put forward to ensure optimum accessibility of urban transport services within the Metropolis. ii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to thank all those who have offered assistance and advice in diverse ways during my course of study and in the preparation of this thesis. I am most grateful, first of all to the Almighty God who taught me the principles of life. I have come this far in my pursuit of knowledge just by His abundant grace and mercy. My sincere thanks go to Professor S.T. Addo, Dr. Isaac K. Arthur and Dr. Ernest Agyemang for their invaluable comments and constructive suggestions throughout this research journey. I am very grateful to my father Mr. Johannes Hotor and mother Mrs. Vinolia Hotor for their continuous support, love and valuable counsel they bequeath me. My sincere gratitude goes to my brothers Patrick Hotor and Sebastian Hotor for their unflinching support. I want to also thank Justice Surugu, Patricia Serwaa Afrifa, Benjamin Taylor, Ronald Reagan Gyimah and all my friends for the significant role they played during my study period. Again, Mr. Gabriel Dagadu, Mr. Albert Anamogsi, Mr. Bashara Abubakari from CERSGIS and Mr. Adom from DVLA head office all deserve words of appreciation for their support during my research. iii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my parents Mr. Johannes Hotor, Mrs. Vinolia Hotor and all parents who strive to make a better life for their children. iv University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ................................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................ iii DEDICATION ..................................................................................................................... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................... v LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... viii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................... ix LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .............................................................. x CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Background to the Study ............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 7 1.4 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Hypothesis ................................................................................................................... 8 1.6 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 8 1.7 Scope of Study ............................................................................................................. 9 1.8 Organisation of the Study .......................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................ 11 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK .................................. 11 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 11 2.2 Public Transportation ................................................................................................ 11 2.3 The Nexus between Land Use and Transportation ................................................... 13 2.4 Modal Choice ............................................................................................................ 15 2.5 Related Studies on Public Transport ......................................................................... 17 2.6 Brief History of the Development of Public Transport in Ghana ............................. 20 2.6.1 State Transport Corporation (STC)..................................................................... 21 2.6.2 Omnibus Service Authority (OSA)..................................................................... 22 2.6.3 City Express Services (CES) .............................................................................. 23 2.6.4 Trotro Operations ................................................................................................ 24 2.6.5 Metro Mass Transit (MMT) ................................................................................ 25 2.7 Theoretical Concepts ................................................................................................. 26 2.7.1 The General Systems Theory .............................................................................. 26 2.8 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................. 32 2.9 Summary ................................................................................................................... 35 CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................. 36 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........ 36 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 36 3.2 Background of the study area .................................................................................... 36 v University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 3.2.1 Demographic characteristics ............................................................................... 39 3.2.2 Population Size and Distribution ........................................................................ 39 3.2.3 Age-Sex Structure ..............................................................................................