Article: Quantitative assessment of the challenges of public transportation in the SADC region of Africa - a principal component analysis approach Journal: International Journal of Advanced Operations Management (IJAOM) 2026 Vol.17 No.3 pp.275 - 290 Abstract: This study seeks to identify challenges faced by public transportation in Southern African Development Community (SADC). Quantitative data was gathered using a close-ended questionnaire from 100 responses comprised of bus drivers and passengers on the Johannesburg-Harare route. The sample size used for the study complied with the method of data analysis. Descriptive, mean item score, non-parametric test and principal component analysis were used to analyse the data. To ensure the reliability of the survey, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was conducted, and a value of 0.944 was obtained. The findings revealed that modal shift, inadequate planning, driver performance, security, external costs and on-travel-related factors are the significant challenges transport companies face in the quest to assure satisfaction. The study makes recommendations to aid in abating the identified challenges for better economic fostering and effective regional integration in southern Africa. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Quantitative assessment of the challenges of public transportation in the SADC region of Africa - a principal component analysis approach

Authors: Kudzai Mbowa; Matthew Ikuabe; Clinton Aigbavboa

Addresses: Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa ' School of Construction Economics and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa ' Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract: This study seeks to identify challenges faced by public transportation in Southern African Development Community (SADC). Quantitative data was gathered using a close-ended questionnaire from 100 responses comprised of bus drivers and passengers on the Johannesburg-Harare route. The sample size used for the study complied with the method of data analysis. Descriptive, mean item score, non-parametric test and principal component analysis were used to analyse the data. To ensure the reliability of the survey, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was conducted, and a value of 0.944 was obtained. The findings revealed that modal shift, inadequate planning, driver performance, security, external costs and on-travel-related factors are the significant challenges transport companies face in the quest to assure satisfaction. The study makes recommendations to aid in abating the identified challenges for better economic fostering and effective regional integration in southern Africa.

Keywords: principal component analysis; PCA; challenges; public transportation; Southern Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAOM.2026.155508

International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, 2026 Vol.17 No.3, pp.275 - 290

Received: 17 Feb 2025
Accepted: 23 Jan 2026
Published online: 04 Aug 2026 *

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Title: Quantitative assessment of the challenges of public transportation in the SADC region of Africa - a principal component analysis approach

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