Uber for Minibuses: A Case of Ridesharing and its Benefits

Africa’s informal transportation sector is characterized by the widespread use of mini-buses, also known as “matatus” in Kenya, “tro-tros” in Ghana, or “danfos” in Nigeria, depending on the country. This sector has been the backbone of mobility on the continent for decades. With millions of people relying on minibuses for their daily commute, the informal transportation sector plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of the African continent.

However, the informal transportation system faces several challenges that hinder its efficiency. The emergence of ride-sharing technology in Africa, therefore, presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize the informal transportation system to create a more timely, efficient, and convenient system for passengers. In this post, we will explore the concept of Uber for minibuses in Africa and the benefits it could bring to the transportation sector.

What if we could bring technology to digitalize the operations of minibuses just as Uber has done with cabs?

The concept of Uber for minibuses in Africa essentially involves the application of ridesharing technology to the existing minibus system, which is a popular mode of transportation in many African countries. Creating a digital infrastructure that seamlessly connects passengers traveling along the same route and drivers is crucial to transforming Africa’s informal transportation system. By utilizing technology such as mobile apps, GPS, and digital payments, we can enable passengers to book rides, track their drivers’ locations, and make electronic payments. This digitalization will reduce the inefficiencies within the informal transportation sector and ensure stress-free and timely commutes.

As we build the right digital infrastructure for the informal transportation sector, we stand to reap enormous benefits such as;

• Enhanced safety and security. The Driver’s and Vehicle Licensing Authority in Ghana, for instance, requires every ridesharing platform to verify drivers and vehicles. As such, minibuses enrolled on any digital platform will be subject to thorough checks to verify the authenticity of a driver’s license or a vehicle’s registration. This ensures that road-worthy vehicles and licensed drivers are moving passengers from one destination to another. With a GPS tracking system, passengers can also enable real-time monitoring of rides and share their trip details with friends or family.

Additionally, with a digital platform, there will be access to electronic ticketing systems that capture user information for drivers and passengers. This will make it easy for traceability, especially in the event of criminal activity or the loss of items.

• Optimized efficiency and transparency are also worth noting as benefits of ridesharing technology. Passengers can book bus rides and track their driver’s location, allowing for optimized routes and reduced wait times as opposed to the current system, which is plagued with long wait times at bus stops, uncertainty, and unreliable transportation.

With digital payments, we can drive fare transparency to eliminate fare disputes between passengers and drivers.

• Reduced traffic congestion and emissions will also be made possible when we promote ridesharing technology for mini-buses. By efficiently matching passengers heading in the same direction, ridesharing platforms can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This has the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.

The concept of Uber for minibuses in Africa holds significant promise for transforming the transportation landscape across the continent. By leveraging the power of ridesharing technology, it addresses the challenges of accessibility, affordability, safety, and efficiency in urban transportation. The benefits of this innovative approach range from improved mobility options for commuters to economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. As the adoption of these platforms continues to grow, they have the potential to revolutionize the way people travel and contribute to the overall development of African cities.

At?Trober, we are using technology to revolutionize the informal transportation sector by connecting riders to independent bus service providers for safe, timely, convenient, and comfortable commutes. So, the next time you think about riding a minibus, think about how technology can give you a seamless experience, and think about using?Trober.