Abstract:
E-hailing services in Ghana has transformed the transport landscape by allowing
passengers to use mobile applications to request a ride, track the driver's location, and
pay for rides electronically. This innovation has improved safety, convenience, and
affordability for passengers and drivers alike. The study aimed at determining the
factors contributing to the growth of e-hailing service operations in Ghana, comparing
taxi and e-hailing operations, and power play among drivers, riders, and e-hailing
companies, specifically focusing on the Accra Metropolitan Area. The study adopted a
mixed-method approach and an explanatory sequential design. The study utilized a
mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data via questionnaires from 400 ehailing
riders and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews with 12 drivers
and 3 e-hailing company representatives. Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS), Jamovi, and Excel 365 were used to perform descriptive and inferential (t-test
and multinomial regression) analysis and presented using frequency, cross-tabulation,
and charts while thematic analysis was employed using key constructs that emanated
from the transcripts. Key findings revealed that the e-hailing rider profile is young male
adults aged 24-34 with higher education and middle-income earners. Bolt emerged as
the most used platform, while factors like age, higher income, tertiary education, and
perceptions of security significantly contributed to frequent e-hailing usage. Compared
to traditional taxis, e-hailing services were rated higher for convenience, safety, price
transparency, payment options, and customer service by riders. The study recommends
that the Ministry of Transport should explore partnerships and integration opportunities
between e-hailing services and public transportation systems through multi-modal trip
planning, integrated ticketing, and last-mile connectivity solutions, to enable a more
efficient and user-friendly urban transportation ecosystem.
Description:
thesis in the Department of Geography Education,
Faculty of Social Science Education, submitted to the school of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Geography with Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
MAY, 2024
