Traffic Congestion in Dar es Salaam: Implications for Workers’ Productivity

Abstract

Inadequately planned transport systems result to traffic congestion, a challenge that has for long been a thorn in Dar es Salaam, the city most affected in Tanzania. Although traffic congestion has been a major concern in Dar es Salaam, marked reluctance has been noticed in taking measures towards a lasting solution thus, it is of diminutive surprise that limited studies and documentations on the same are in existence. Therefore, this study assesses traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam and particularly its implications for workers’ productivity. Travel time and productivity indexes were established from a sample of 96 workers who used public transport along Morogoro and Mandela Roads. Travel time index (TTI) is the ratio of the average travel time during peak period to the travel time during off-peak period. Findings reveal that TTI was 2.19. Workers spent about 2 times of the average commuting time to work and 3 times of the same commuting from work to their various residences. About 2.5 hours were lost on traffic jam per day and that people worked 1.4 times less than the required time due to traffic congestion. It was further established that in 10 working days, almost 3 days were lost to traffic congestion. Since there are ongoing efforts to improve the transport system through the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, it remains to be seen as to what extent traffic congestion will be reduced. In either case, this study provides a benchmark for comparisons.

Design of an Integrated Android Mobile Application and Web-Based System (IAMAWBS) as a Solution to Concerns of Passengers Using Bus Rapid Transit System for Public Transportation in Dar Es Salaam

“…In the recent past, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has also adapted the BRT system as a durable alternative to the traffic congestion in Dar Es Salaam by establishing the Dar Es Salaam Rapid Transit (DART), a government organ responsible to supervise the implementation and operation of BRT system in the city [5]. Dar Es Salaam city experiences a great rapid population growth and traffic congestion as well [6]. The population growth in Dar Es Salaam has led to insufficient public transport systems capacity within the city which has consequently caused a serious traffic congestion especially during peak hours [7].…”

Determination Model of Suitable Coastal Transit-Oriented Development Location, Case Study: Paotere, Makassar

“…Traffic congestion and traffic accident rise transportation cost and vehicle operational, travel distance for 2-3 times longer, besides, they reduce work productivity by losing working time about 33,3% within 10 days (Mpogole & Msangi, 2016).…”