Public transport service modal choice, affordability and perceptions in an unpalatable economic environment: The case of an urban corridor in Harare (Zimbabwe)

Public transport plays an important role in fulfilling the travel needs of people in cities of the developing world. For most cities, notwithstanding the availability of different modes, which include conventional buses, midi and minibuses and paratransit systems, the public transport system is increasingly becoming inadequate, inefficient, unreliable and unaffordable. The choice on the public transport mode to use is therefore depended on both quality and affordability. With increases in public transport fares, the spectrum of choice has expanded to include non-motorized means of transport such as cycling and walking. The paper examines modal choice, affordability and perceptions of commuters in a low-income high-density residential corridor in Harare (Zimbabwe) within the context of a difficult macro-economic environment. Residents are spending more than half of their earnings on public transport and responding to the situation by devising coping strategies.