Journey to Work: Modal Split in Mabelreign Suburb of Harare

Most scholars believe that the journey to work is vital in any aspect of land-use and transport planning. Transport remains a vital componentof the urban economy that enables the populace to move freely between their homes and places of work. This study examines the factors that influence modes of travel used by the commuters in the suburb of Mabelreign as a first step towards isolating the causes of transport problems in Harare. This way the needs of different socioeconomic groups can be understood. An attempt is also made in this study to use simple travel models in determining modal split. These models are adapted in the context of the study area. Questionnaire surveys and interviews are also used in establishing the modes of travel used and factors influencing the modes of travel. The survey results showed that a large split of the travellers (64.2 per cent) use private transport (cars), 9.1 per cent use buses and 24.3 per cent use commuter omnibuses. Route with a shorter travel time tend to be favoured over routes with longer travel times. In Mabelreign, 60.1 per cent own cars as compared to 67.7 per cent who use cars to work – a phenomenon explained by the increased use of lift clubs in order to reduce costs. Inconvenience factors, both from the service and vehicle comfort viewpoints have greatly influenced the decline in public transport use and these include long waiting times, transfer times and congestion on roads leading to work places. In conclusion, modal choice isinfluenced by the characteristics of the traveller, the characteristics of the transportation system (including costs) and behavioural factors that include human perception about particular modes of travel. Recommendations are that the city authorities of Harare need to study travel behaviour also using travel models so as to come up with a viable transportation system. More efficient travel modes such as a train shuttle service and affordable commuter buses need to be introduced in the city and these should involve as minimal transfer as possible.Keywords: Modal split, modal choice, travel models, inconveniencefactors, travel time ratios, travel cost ratio, behavioural factor