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Urban public transport is becoming a major issue and an increasingly important part
in the realization of the socio-economic development of many cities in the world.
Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania established the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system
branded as Dar Rapid Transit (DART) as a response to the long time public transport
problems experienced by its people. The system was well received by the city’s
residents. However, commuters of DART system are currently complaining about
taking long waiting times that results into delays and overcrowding at the stations
and terminals. These problems increases stress and dissatisfaction to passengers and
creates perception of poor performance of the system. The main objective of this
study was to assess the main factors that influence the urban public transport
performance in DART system. The study used case study research design and the
mix of both quantitative and qualitative approaches in data collection. Results from
data collections were analyzed by using the descriptive analysis and inferential
analysis and then discussed in relation to reviewed empirical studies. Also, the study
developed the multiple regression model investigating the factors of bus rapid transit
performance that include speed, reliability, safety and security, image and identity,
and capacity.The findings of the study indicated that DART system has contributed
to travel time savings, reduced congestion, and improved safe travel in the city. The
findings from regression model indicated the Pearson correlation coefficient (R) of
0.819 for all independent variables (speed, reliability, safety and security, identity
and image of the system, and capacity). This extent of R implies that there is a
positive strong correlation between independent variables and the dependent
variable. Moreover, the findings show the R-square (coefficient of determination)
where speed, reliability, safety and security, identity and image of system, and
capacity explain about 67.1% of the proportional change (variation) in performance
of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The rest of the variation 32.9% is explained by
other factors not studied in this research.The study recommends provision of
adequate buses in present and coming phases, improvement of fare payment and
ticket validation system and strictly enforcement of BRT rules. Moreover, the study
provide necessary information about the operations of BRT for future improvement
of the service provision and scheduling |
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