INFORMAL TRANSPORT AND THE QUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY: INSIGHTS FROM DRIVERS

The purpose of this research is to explore the role of informal transport in advancing sustainable urban mobility in small towns. The study focuses on Mushikashika an informal and illegal transport, in Zimbabwe. Based on 21 in-depth interviews with the drivers, the findings reveal that informal transport provides essential mobility in underserved areas and supports local livelihoods, especially in the absence of formal public transport. However, informal transport is characterised by unsafe practices and gender-based harassment. Despite operating outside the formal regulatory framework, many drivers have the desire for better governance, infrastructure and formalisation of the sector. This study contributes to the sustainability agenda and extends existing research beyond metropolitan cities by illustrating how informal transport systems operate and are experienced in small towns context. The study highlights the socio-economic role informal transport plays in enhancing accessibility, supporting livelihoods and addressing mobility gaps in small towns. This research also contributes to SDG 10 by showing how informal transport helps reduce spatial and socio-economic inequalities in access to mobility.