Drivers’ and Passengers’ Perspectives on Factors Influencing Intercity Bus Travel Time on the Accra-Takoradi Route, Ghana: an Exploratory Approach

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to qualitatively ascertain the factors influencing intercity bus transport travel time on the Accra-Takoradi route in Ghana. The cross sectional study involved the use of in-depth interviews conducted on fourteen drivers and forty two passengers of GPRTU, VIP, VVIP, ISTC, MMT, DIPLOMAT and FORD on the route. This was supported with participants and non-participants observations. The identified determinants were time of departure,  purpose of travel, day/night journey, volume of traffic on the route, place of refueling, number of stoppages for  passengers, the nature of the road, the type of bus, approved rest stops, speed limit, the presence of MTTD officials, presence of toll booths, volume of passengers’ luggage and so on. Recommendations were proffered to reduce tension that might be generated by lack of understanding between the driver and the passengers on the travel time.

Key words: Travel time, passengers, drivers, intercity bus