The Experiences of Public Transport Drivers with People with Disability in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47985/dcidj.599

Keywords:

Passengers with disability, public transport, transport barriers, public transport drivers, people with disability, attitudes

Abstract

Purpose: Public transport drivers are an intermediary between transport infrastructure and passengers with disability. The purpose of this study was to understand the perspectives of public transport drivers on their encounters with passengers with disability, and the impact this has on public transport inaccessibility.

Method: A qualitative research approach was applied. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to collect data from public transport drivers. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and an inductive approach was followed to allow data to determine themes.

Results: The study found that public transport drivers operate under challenging conditions. The drivers' main issues and challenges are lack of training and knowledge on disability, negative attitudes displayed by passengers, and having to satisfy conflicting demands from both employers and passengers with disability. The conflicting demands are intensified by the lack of universally designed vehicles and infrastructure.

Conclusion: The actions of transport providers contribute to transport inaccessibility. Transport issues and drivers’ concerns established in this study could help to enhance driver training, improve transport services and enrich inputs into public transport policies.

Author Biographies

Babra Duri, University of Johannesburg

Babra Duri is a Researcher and part-time Teaching Assistant at the University of South Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Witwatersrand and a Ph.D. in Transport Economics from the University of Johannesburg. Her speciality is in inclusive mobility and sustainable urban transport.

Rose Luke, University of Johannesburg

Rose is a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a Ph.D. in Transport Economics and holds the position of Associate Professor. Her current research focuses on transport and logistics matters as they impact social equity and sustainability.

Downloads

Published

2022-08-05

How to Cite

1.
Duri B, Luke R. The Experiences of Public Transport Drivers with People with Disability in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2022 Aug. 5 [cited 2024 Sep. 8];33(2):56-74. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/599

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles