Determinants of Passenger Transport Modal Choice- A Case of Harare to Gaborone Route

The study sought to find out what determines passenger choice of transport in cross boarder mobility looking specifically at socio-economic and travel characteristics. This was achieved with the use of methodological triangulation approach not only involving qualitative and quantitative methodology but other sources of data collection such as questionnaire administration and in-depth interviews. A sample of 30 respondents travelling from Harare to Gaborone were considered and selected from buses, private vehicles, train and air transport in Harare. The analysis began with the socio-economic and travel characteristics of respondents as to indicate which of these socio-economic and travel characteristics predominates in the study area. More so, the results of socio-economic, travel characteristics and reasons were cross tabulated with modal choice on the route. The significant relationship between respondents’ socio-economic, travel characteristics and reasons with modal choice was ascertained by using Pearson’s chi-square test. The results of the study revealed that there are three modes of transport available for passengers from Harare to Gaborone route which are road, rail and air. The most preferred mode of transport amongst them is road, followed by rail and then air. Major determinants of modal choice are, speed, cost, travel time, comfort, safety, reliability and the customer service given by the operator. Keywords: modal choice, cross border, passengers, route choice, Harare, Gaborone, transportation mode DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-12-01 Publication date: June 30th 2020