Changing motorists’ behaviour is possible

The conflict for road space and offensive road-user behaviour witnessed on urban roads can be explained by how the different road users value time in relation to their sources of income and the profit maximising strategies they adopt on the road. Bad driving is an induced behaviour.

To improve urban road transport system, it is important to invest in appropriate road infrastructure and transport services that respond to the unique needs of different road users.

Alternative infrastructure designs that are cognisant of the distinct needs of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and private car users should be explored.

A clear understanding of the factors motivating road user behaviour is critical in designing appropriate urban transport policies and infrastructure.

The business model of the PSV sector consists of profit-driven operators seeking to maximise income by increasing the frequency of trips. The income of the owner, operator, driver and crew is determined on a daily basis and with set targets.

On the other hand, a significant proportion of private car users also rely on the same road space to maximise their opportunities in accessing jobs, goods, services and social interaction. But their income streams may not be determined by hourly trip frequency and daily returns. To the PSV operator, the road is their primary marketplace and source of income.

The need for basic survival eventually leads to an urban road transport system characterised by chaotic competition and non-compliance to expected norms and standards.

During peak hours, PSVs operators are likely to engage in dangerous maneuvers as well as commit traffic offences to compensate for lost time and income.

Many PSV operators are unable to comply with traffic rules and regulations due to the mismatch between the infrastructure and their business model.

For instance, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) introduced regulations for Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operations, which were intended to reform the sector and improve services.

Also introduced were regulations on speed limits and the requirement that all PSVs should have speed governors. Other rules stipulate the ‘dwell time’ of PSVs at a bus stop for dropping and picking passengers.

The various laws and regulations have not worked in providing acceptable service standards to the public largely due to the missing incentive of appropriate infrastructure. Affirmative action strategies in road transport operations that affect travel time are a key policy concern. The question of economic value of time looks at how different road users value their time with respect to travel.

Should some travel modes be accorded special treatment on the road to offer attractive travel time over other modes? The question becomes more difficult when implementing right of way strategies for different categories of road users.

One rule of thumb that has been used to address this problem in many countries is the affirmative action accorded to public transport by segregating PSV lanes, and giving them right of way over private cars.

It can be argued that greater utility per capita will be achieved as more people will benefit in PSVs compared to private cars per kilometre of road space.

Urban space is scarce and a large amount of capital is required to supply road capacity to adequately cater for various users.

Therefore, the economic efficiency objective in planning and developing urban transport systems should be based on how to move more people with less road space and lower capital expenditure.

That requires learning to do more with less. This thinking forms the basis for mass transit options in urban areas.
Separation of road traffic in favour of PSVs has worked in other jurisdictions and we can achieve this in selected sections of our urban areas. It would reduce offensive road user behaviour triggered by pressure to meet daily income targets.

It would also eliminate conflict, enhance road safety, and increase PSV demand leading to better incomes for operators. The challenge exists in ensuring that PSVs adhere to public service obligations by providing improved services. Physical separation, self regulation and technology-assisted monitoring should also be included in the implementation mechanism.

It is important to provide support and infrastructure incentives to the existing PSV sector players to encourage improvement of PSV operations. This approach would allow for inclusive development and transformation devoid of in-effective regulation.

It would cater for the interests of different PSV categories. The balanced ‘carrot and stick’ approach would also enhance acceptability of a shift to efficient systems through learning and demonstrated mutual public-private benefits.