Abena OBIRI-YEBOAH , Department of Civil Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana
Thomas OJO, Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Joseph RIBEIRO, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana
The internet-based ride-hailing (IBRH) service is based on requests using an online application for a ride while hired taxi (HT) service requires the user to be physically present to get the ride. One disadvantage of the IBRH system is the fact that transport fares cannot be bargained for, and they do not operate in remote areas whereas the reverse is applicable for HT operations. This study sought to assess the preference for IBRH and HT services in Ghana. To achieve the objective, an online survey was conducted for one month. Two hundred and thirty-one (231) responses were retrieved from [number of regions][JR1] and analyzed. It is revealed in the study that the majority of IBRH and HT users were males, 18-27 years old, educated, and high-income earners. Almost two-thirds of the respondents were from Kumasi with Bolt as a dominant mode of IBRH service. Age and gender were found to have a statistically significant relationship with the use of Uber. Contrarily, only age has a statistically significant relationship with the use of Bolt and HT. HT users are less likely to use the service for leisure, official trips, and shopping. Cost, popularity, and availability are the reasons for the use of IBRH over HT in Ghana. The study recommends the Ministry of Transport regulating the IBRH and HT services in Ghana to make it appealing to the savvy millennials to minimize or possibly prevent the heavy reliance on personal vehicle usage.
[JR1]Spatial distribution is necessary
Keywords: Preference|Ride-hailing| Hired Taxis|Public transport|Ghana
A102447TO