Zonal Taxi Transport System in Addis Ababa : Performance and Challenges

Where a good transport infrastructure exists, people are better able to take advantage of a wide variety of economic opportunities, to increase their mobility, and improve their living standards. Where the transport facilities are poor, however, the opposite is true. Addis Ababa transport branch office has commenced zonal taxi transport system to improve the transportation situation of the city. However, anecdotal evidences indicate that problems are plenty such as shortage of taxis, charging passengers over normal fares, lose control and coordination of actors and others. In fact, whether the system has brought about the desired result is yet to be assessed. Besides, accountability relationship and actors' participation in the system is nor clearly known. It is slightly improved in terms of accessibility and quality. But, it is difficult to say that there is improvement on the affordability. Besides, the system is ineffective in creation of organizational structure which hinders establishment of strong accountability relationship and active participation of actors. The analysis should give insight information about the sector and important inputs for professionals in the area.