An analysis of cross-border minibus taxi movement patterns using geographic information system (gis): case study of routes between south africa and its neighbours

Abstract

The paper analyses the cross-border movement of minibus taxis on routes that serve South Africa and three of its neighbours, Botswana, eSwatini, and Mozambique. It uses geographic positioning system (GPS) data instead of the traditional manual methods of collecting data to determine the movement pattern of cross-border minibus taxis. The movement patterns of cross-border minibus taxis were recorded. The data were subsequently mapped and analysed using ESRI® ArcGIS 10.6 to identify hotspots of the three origins and destinations. The analysis allowed for the determination of passenger waiting times at the rank facilities, stoppages along the routes due to factors like law enforcement operations, informal stops, border post activities, and total travel time and speed of the minibus taxis. The results reveal that Johannesburg is the main hotspot of passenger activities followed by Maputo, Mbabane and Gaborone. Moreover, the results indicate that most passengers travel in the morning (between 06:00 to 08:00), hence waiting time is shorter compared to the afternoon-evening period (15:00 to18:00) where the waiting time is longer. The early travels are generally due to the limited time the minibus taxis must leave the station. The movement patterns are influenced by peak (weekends and holidays) and off-peak (weekdays) periods. In contrast, cross-border minibus drivers’ behaviours were to some extent influenced by the presence or absence of traffic law enforcement officers along with the route network. The paper proves that using the use of GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to analyse the movement patterns of cross-border minibus taxis can efficiently map the movement patterns and trends of cross-border minibus taxi operations.