Making Public Transport in Lusaka City more Efficient and Effective

The increase in the use of private motor vehicles for routine travel within the city of Lusaka suggests weakness in the Public Transport (PT) system. Regrettably, the majority of the city travellers have to accept an ineffective and inefficient PT system or walk/cycle whereas those who can afford turn to private motoring. The current PT fares are too high and must be lowered in order to provide more affordable service and to encourage PT usage. It is evident that the less privileged travellers of the City are the most affected by the current PT system. Investment in transport infrastructure such as ring roads, filter lanes and traffic lights will substantially tackle a lot of the emerging local travel problems, but the need to examine the current travel demand management and its effectiveness in promotion of public transport usage is equally important. The report highlights some of the encumbrances of the current PT system and suggests measures to make it more efficient and effective.