Formalizing bicycle taxi operations as a sustainable means of public transport in Mzuzu City, Malawi

This thesis seeks to explore how informal bicycle taxi operations (as paratransit) can be formalised and their contribution to sustainable public/urban transport in Mzuzu city, Malawi. The main objective of this thesis is to explore how bicycle taxi (Sacramento) operations contribute to sustainable urban transport and policy options for its formalization in Mzuzu city. In order to meet the objective, the following research questions were raised and have to be answered: What are the characteristics of bicycle operators and current organisational setup of the operations? Do bicycle taxi operations contribute to sustainable urban/public transport in Mzuzu City, and what are the major advantages and challenges? How do different stakeholders conceive the future of bicycle taxi operations in Mzuzu City? What are the policy and support mechanisms required to facilitate bicycle taxi operations in Mzuzu city? The research methods used in this study include: 1) background literature review which provides a conceptual framework for the study, 2) a questionnaire survey which was conducted to various stakeholders i.e. bicycle taxi operators, bicycle taxi users, other road users, city authorities and government departments, 3) individual case interview and, 4) photography. The background literature reviewed covers issues pertaining to sustainable urban transport, paratransit/informal transport operations, bicycle as a means of paratransit, bicycle transport and safety, advantages and challenges of paratransits, and regulation of the non-motorised paratransit. The main findings and analysis of the study mainly covered the following categories: 1. Operator characteristics, 2. Organization of bicycle operations, 3. Sustainability of the bicycle taxi operations (advantages and challenges), 4. Future perceptions of bicycle taxi operations, and 5. Policy options and support mechanisms to facilitate formalization of bicycle taxis. Young to middle aged males with a poor background most of whom have a responsibility to support their families operate bicycle taxis. These men usually stay within the city, but in traditional and high density unplanned settlements. The analysis also shows that, despite the existence of associations as reported by government officials most of the operators do not subscribe to the associations since these associations lack good leadership. The findings also reveal that the bicycle taxi operations lack proper regulation. The study shows that the bicycle taxi operations are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable since they are reliable, promote social equity, affordable, accessible and do not cause any harm to the environment. This is despite the current perception that the bicycle taxis are not safe, and comfortable. The analysis also leads to the revelation that most people still prefer that the operations should continue since they are regarded as essential because; they are a source of informal employment to the urban poor, and they offer cheap and easy mobility to the city residents and goods. A number of alternatives are raised by all stakeholders which are incorporated as policy options and support mechanisms for the facilitation and formalization of bicycle taxis and that are later incorporated as proposed recommendations. Some of these include formulation of city by-laws to regulate the operations at city level, the introduction of bicycle infrastructure, operator/bicycle registration and licensing, and strengthening the activities of the operator associations.