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Looking for the obvious: Motorcycle taxi services in Sub-Saharan African cities

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  • Diaz Olvera, Lourdes
  • Plat, Didier
  • Pochet, Pascal

Abstract

Motorcycle taxis (MCT) have been present in many cities of Sub-Saharan Africa for several decades. This paper aims to answer two questions: How can we objectify the massive and lasting development of a “motorcycle taxi model” in the cities of SSA? How does this model function in practice? First, the spread of motorcycle taxis in Sub-Saharan Africa is examined by using an internet-based bibliometric analysis of academic output and local press articles. Second, the functioning of the industry and the informalization rationales at work in the deployment of the motorcycle taxi model are analyzed on the basis of a field study in Lomé, the capital of Togo.

Suggested Citation

  • Diaz Olvera, Lourdes & Plat, Didier & Pochet, Pascal, 2020. "Looking for the obvious: Motorcycle taxi services in Sub-Saharan African cities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:88:y:2020:i:c:s0966692317306269
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2019.102476
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    2. Gaele Lesteven & Dramane Cissokho & Pascal Pochet & Momar Diongue & Pape Sakho, 2022. "Daily Mobility in Urban Peripheries: The Role of Clandestine Taxis in Dakar, Senegal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Chalermpong, Saksith & Ratanawaraha, Apiwat & Anuchitchanchai, Ornicha, 2023. "Motorcycle taxis' varying degrees of complementarity and substitution with public transit in Bangkok," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).

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