VoxDev Development Economics S6 Ep26: Minibuses, major gains: Rethinking urban transit
Jul 3, 2025
Lucas Conwell, a UCL researcher focused on urban transit in developing countries, shares insights on Cape Town's public minibus networks. He highlights how these chaotic systems can be optimized with minimal policy tweaks. By mapping passenger experiences, Lucas reveals the potential for reduced wait times and enhanced security. He discusses the unique role of privatized shared transit in connecting urban centers with suburbs, as well as the challenges commuters face. Overall, small interventions could significantly improve the efficiency and safety of minibuses.
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Minibus System in Cape Town
- Minibuses in Cape Town run routes connecting suburbs and townships efficiently.
- They often depart only when full, causing varied wait times for passengers.
Why Minibuses Are Essential
- Minibuses are essential in sprawling, low-density African cities with dispersed transit demand.
- They thrive where governments have low fiscal capacity, needing minimal infrastructure or oversight.
Challenges in Minibus Systems
- Common complaints include long waits due to fill-and-go practices and overloaded, uncomfortable minibuses.
- Safety concerns arise from crime at stations and risky driving styles by minibus drivers.