Modifying the SERVPERF to assess paratransit minibus taxis trotro in Ghana and the relevance of mobility-as-a-service features to the service

Abstract

In Ghana, minibus taxis (trotros) are an important mode of transport that commute about 60% of the traveling public. In spite of their popularity, minibuses are generally inefficient, disorganized and have low service quality. In an attempt to assess service quality of the service, a modified SERVPERF tool was developed. Differences in perceptions of service quality between male and female respondents were also assessed, and the attractiveness of certain technological features as possible remedies to service quality issues were determined. Using an online Google forms version of the modified SERVPERF, responses from nearly one thousand commuters were collected. The link to the questionnaire was dispersed via social media (Whatsapp and Telegram) since the data was collected during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana. Following a factor reduction, the most important service quality factors determined to affect trotro users were (i) Reliability of the service, (ii) Variability in cost and (iii) Responsiveness. Respondents also identified technologies that could help them (a) book, (b) report driver misbehavior, (c) make safe e-payments and (d) track the location of trotros, as most likely to improve their trotro service quality. The findings suggest that some mobility as a service features could have possible benefit for the trotro. The study is however limited in its ability to determine the exact impact of these technologies since it uses a stated preference approach. Future research could explore the willingness of other stakeholder groups such as operators in adopting these technologies since their participation would be key to the success of any such scheme.

Keywords

• Paratransit
• MaaS
• Trotro
• SERVQUAL
• SERVPERF
• Intelligent transportation systems