Abstract
Urban mobility in developing cities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, faces critical challenges driven by rapid urbanisation, limited infrastructure, and high motorisation rates. In Lusaka, Zambia, these issues are compounded by rapid population growth, urban sprawl, and a heavily motorised transport system that struggles to meet the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable travel options. This article-based thesis investigates the factors influencing travel behaviour, projects future public transport needs, and evaluates the urban transport policy landscape to foster sustainable mobility in Lusaka.
The first article presents a systematic review of travel behaviour methodologies in developing cities, identifying key socio-economic and demographic determinants that drive travel demand and offering insights in selecting appropriate analytical models. The second article examines travel mode choices among Lusaka residents for work or school commutes using household survey data, revealing that public buses, walking, and private cars are the primary modes, with variations observed across different residential densities. The third article forecasts road-based demand for public transport, uncovering a strong latent preference for private vehicles, while suggesting that enhancements in travel time, cost, and infrastructure for public transit and non-motorised modes could encourage a modal shift. The final article critically analyses Lusaka’s urban transportation policies through document review and policy mapping, identifying existing strengths, weaknesses, and policy gaps, and proposing evidence-based reforms to support sustainable mobility.
Together, these four articles provide a holistic understanding of the dynamics shaping urban mobility in Lusaka. They underscore the urgent need for policy interventions prioritising accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability by contributing to an equitable and resilient urban transport system in a rapidly growing city. This thesis advances the understanding of mobility behaviours in an African context and offers empirical evidence and strategies that align with Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities.