Exploring Sustainable Public Transport System for the Provision of Quality Education Services in Public Universities: A Situational Analysis

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the experience of university community regarding the use of available public transport in public universities in Tanzania. The study intended to explore the common transport systems used within the public universities; the risks and challenges of using the available transport systems in execution of day-to-day core functions of the university; and lastly, the effective and efficient transport systems in promoting the teaching and learning process in public universities. A cross-sectional survey design with mixed research approaches was employed. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to get a total sample of 125 respondents from public universities in Tanzania. Data were collected by using self-administered semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interview. The findings revealed that common transport systems used within the campuses included motorcycle hire, commuter buses, walking, bicycle hire, private bicycle, private motorcycle, university buses, bajaji (rickshaws) hire, and taxi cabs. Moreover, the study revealed that the risks and challenges of using the current transport system within the university campuses included time consuming, costly, and getting late to classes, accident, tiredness, and theft. Furthermore, the study revealed that the effective and efficient transport system within university campuses included the commuter buses, motorcycle hire, private motorcycle, walking, and private cars. The study recommends establishing an internal transportation pool which will be able to offer sustainable, reliable, effective and efficient transportation means within the university. Understanding the campus impediments may help universities design more attractive and useful transport facilities.  The current study will inform the university management about the need to promote bicycling and walking which are ecological friendly; improve social interactions; as well as spur physical well-being among the students, staff and university community.