Enhancing the image of Intra-City transport (bus) terminals in Kumasi, Ghana
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Date
2008-08-18
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Abstract
In this era, the phenomenon of travel distinguishes itself as an unavoidable and inescapable component of our lives. Ghana depends on road transport to cart on the average 95% of freight and 98% of passengers annually. Majority of the population travel by mass transit therefore, there is the need to see to it that daily journeys become enjoyable and not a drudgery by the provision of good travel services.
This is a study conducted on the intra-city terminals in Kumasi, Ghana's second largest city and the capital of the Ashanti Region. The study was carried out because of the existing practice of people boarding commercial vehicles at unauthorised places within the city although areas have been designated for terminals. They do not use these terminals because they are repelled by the lack of facilities, poor management and poor safety measures in place.
The study examined the location and management problems at the Old Tafo Lorry Park in Kumasi. It also found out how the infrastructure and services provided there affected activities at the terminal. The study also looked at the type of public transport that the population preferred and what reasons accounted for their choices. The findings showed that majority of the people who patronise the Old Tafo terminal prefer to travel by minibuses (trotro) rather than taxis and Metro Mass Transit buses. The reasons for their choice are that they want to travel with the fastest, most convenient and most affordable means of movement at any given time.
The study proposed a model terminal that addressed the identified problems with solutions including the separation of activities within the terminal and the provision of basic infrastructure such as sheltered waiting areas and washrooms. These solutions are proposed with the aim of enhancing the image of the Old Tafo Lorry Park. The model can be adjusted to suit all intra-city terminals in the country.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Department of Architecture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of Architecture.