A new approach to spatial analysis of motorcycle taxis activities – the case of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Issue 1 (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaligot, Rémi; Kemajou, Armel; Chenal, Jérôme
• Is Part Of: Urban, planning and transport research. Volume 5:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Spatial analysis -- motorcycle taxis -- urban transport -- developing countries; City planning -- Periodicals; Cities and towns -- Growth -- Periodicals; Urban renewal -- Periodicals; Cities and towns -- Research -- Periodicals; Urban transportation -- Periodicals; Cities and towns -- Growth; Cities and towns -- Research; City planning; Urban renewal; Urban transportation; Periodicals; 307.116
• DOI: 10.1080/21650020.2017.1402697
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2165-0020

Abstract

Abstract: Motorcycle taxis operate in a non-regulated, uncontrolled environment, raising public health, environmental and economic issues. Consideration of such issues requires an in-depth understanding of motorcycle taxis' organizational and operational features. Urban sprawl, a difficult economic context and demographic pressure have led to an increase in motorcycle taxi activities in the Republic of Haiti. This study presents a novel approach to analyzing informal modes of transport using qualitative data from semi-directive interviews and observations with a spatial analysis of motorcycle taxi activities by GPS tracking. The analysis is comprised of three phases. First, a suitable tracking device and fixing method were tested and selected. In the second, 12 drivers were equipped with charged devices on a daily basis. The interviews were conducted simultaneously. Finally, we draw four main results using the Haversine method and calculating the inactivity rate. Given a median action range of <3 km, the lack of peak-hours observed, an inactivity rate of more than 50% and the low profitability of the current structure, the activity's economic potential is not optimized under the current system. The poor distribution of stands across the territory and large number of drivers results in the overall inefficiency of the system.