Public Transportation Facilities and Challenges: A Case Study of Vatican Travel Agency in Bamenda
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of this study is to assess the challenges facing the Vatican Travel Agency in Bamenda regarding the provision of public transportation facilities and services. Specifically, the study aims to:
- Identify the key challenges and constraints faced by the Vatican Travel Agency in operating its public transportation services in Bamenda.
- Examine the impact of inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, congestion, safety and security concerns, accessibility barriers, and environmental factors on the agency’s operations.
- Evaluate current strategies and initiatives employed by the Vatican Travel Agency to address these challenges and their effectiveness in mitigating the identified issues.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation, often referred to as public transit, encompasses various modes of transportation that are accessible to the general public, typically operated by government agencies or private companies under public oversight. This concept is integral to urban and rural mobility, serving as a backbone for sustainable transportation systems worldwide.
Public transportation includes modes such as buses, trains, subways, trams, ferries, and other shared mobility services. It is defined by its accessibility, affordability, and availability to all members of society regardless of income, age, or physical ability. (Litman, T. (2020).
Public transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative to individual car trips. According to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), every kilometer traveled by public transport instead of a private car reduces CO2 emissions by an average of 75%.
Public transportation contributes to economic development by providing access to employment, education, and markets. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) states that every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports approximately 50,000 jobs and generates $3.6 billion in economic activity. Public transportation plays a crucial role in promoting social equity by providing mobility options for underserved communities. Research published in the Journal of Transport Geography suggests that public transit availability positively correlates with social inclusion, as it enhances access to essential services and reduces transportation barriers for disadvantaged groups. (Guerra, E., et al. (2017).
Public transportation influences urban development patterns by shaping land use and density around transit hubs. The Urban Land Institute emphasizes the importance of transit-oriented development (TOD), which integrates housing, employment, and amenities near public transit stations to promote walkability and reduce car dependency.
Advancements in technology, such as real-time tracking systems, mobile ticketing, and electric vehicles, are transforming the public transportation landscape. The International Transport Forum highlights the role of digitalization and electrification in enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of public transit systems.
Public transportation faces challenges such as funding constraints, aging infrastructure, and changing travel behaviors. The World Bank advocates for integrated and sustainable transportation policies that prioritize investment in public transit, multimodal connectivity, and innovative financing mechanisms to address these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of public transportation systems.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN URBAN AND RURAL SETTINGS
Public transportation plays a significant role in both urban and rural settings, addressing diverse mobility needs and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of communities.
In urban areas, public transportation provides a vital lifeline for millions of residents, offering accessible and affordable mobility options that reduce congestion and enhance connectivity. In rural settings, public transit services serve as essential links for residents to access employment, healthcare, education, and other vital services. According to a study by the Rural Transit Assistance Program, rural public transportation systems provide over 1 billion passenger trips annually in the United States alone, highlighting their crucial role in rural mobility.
Public transportation infrastructure investments stimulate economic development by creating jobs, attracting investment, and fostering business growth. In urban areas, transit-oriented development (TOD) around public transit hubs promotes mixed-use development, increases property values, and supports local economies. Similarly, in rural settings, public transportation services facilitate access to markets for farmers, businesses, and entrepreneurs, contributing to economic resilience and vitality. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) underscores the economic benefits of public transportation investments, stating that every $1 billion invested in public transit supports approximately 50,000 jobs and generates $3.6 billion in economic activity.
Chapter Three
Research methodology
Research Design
The research design adopted in this research work is the survey research design which involves the usage of self-designed questionnaire in the collection of data. Under the survey research design, primary data of this study will be collected from Vatican Travel Agency, Bamenda in order to public transportation facilities and challenges. The design was chosen because it enables the researcher to collect data without manipulation of any variables of interest in the study. The design also provides opportunity for equal chance of participation in the study for respondents.
Population of Study
The population of study is the census of all items or a subject that possess the characteristics or that have the knowledge of the phenomenon that is being studied (Asiaka, 1991). It also means the aggregate people from which the sample is to be drawn.
Population is sometimes referred to as the universe. The population of this research study will be Seventy-five (75) selected members of Vatican Travel Agency, Bamenda
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
This chapter is about the analysis and presentation of data collected from the field through questionnaire. The analysis of the data with particular question immediately followed by the presentation of findings.
As mentioned in chapter three, 63 questionnaires were administered and 50 were retrieved and necessary analysis was carried out on them and presented as follows:
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Public transportation facilities and challenges: Case of Vatican Travel Agency, Bamenda. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of public transportation facilities and challenges.
Summary
This study was on public transportation facilities and challenges: Case of Vatican Travel Agency, Bamenda. Three objectives were raised which included: Identify the key challenges and constraints faced by the Vatican Travel Agency in operating its public transportation services in Bamenda, examine the impact of inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, congestion, safety and security concerns, accessibility barriers, and environmental factors on the agency’s operations and evaluate current strategies and initiatives employed by the Vatican Travel Agency to address these challenges and their effectiveness in mitigating the identified issues. The total population for the study is 75 staff of Vatican Travel Agency. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study on public transportation facilities and challenges, focusing on the case of the Vatican Travel Agency in Bamenda, reveals a landscape characterized by a multitude of obstacles and opportunities.
Throughout the examination of the transportation infrastructure, it becomes evident that Bamenda faces significant deficiencies in road conditions, traffic management, and accessibility. These deficiencies not only impede the efficiency and reliability of the Vatican Travel Agency’s services but also pose safety risks to passengers and drivers alike.
Moreover, the study highlights the pressing issue of funding constraints, which severely limit the agency’s ability to address infrastructure shortcomings and enhance service quality. These constraints, stemming from limited budget allocations, economic challenges, and reliance on external aid, underscore the urgent need for innovative financing mechanisms and strategic resource allocation.
Despite these challenges, the study also identifies potential avenues for improvement. Collaborative efforts involving government authorities, community stakeholders, and international partners offer promising opportunities to mobilize resources, implement sustainable solutions, and foster long-term development in the transportation sector.
In conclusion, while the Vatican Travel Agency in Bamenda faces formidable challenges in its mission to provide efficient, reliable, and safe public transportation services, the findings of this study underscore the importance of proactive intervention and collective action. By addressing infrastructure deficiencies, overcoming funding constraints, and fostering partnerships, the agency can work towards realizing its vision of a more accessible, connected, and vibrant Bamenda.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings of the study on public transportation facilities and challenges faced by the Vatican Travel Agency in Bamenda, several recommendations emerge to address the identified issues and improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of transportation services:
- Prioritize investment in road maintenance, traffic management systems, and accessibility enhancements to address infrastructure deficiencies. Improving road conditions and reducing traffic congestion will contribute to smoother operations and enhanced safety for passengers and drivers.
- Explore alternative funding sources such as public-private partnerships, grants, and innovative financing mechanisms to supplement the agency’s budget. Diversifying funding streams will help alleviate financial constraints and facilitate the implementation of infrastructure upgrades and service improvements.
- Foster collaboration and partnerships with government authorities, community organizations, and international agencies to leverage resources, expertise, and support for transportation initiatives. Collaborative efforts will enable the Vatican Travel Agency to maximize its impact and achieve greater efficiency in addressing transportation challenges.
- Integrate sustainable transportation practices, such as the adoption of clean energy vehicles, promotion of public transit usage, and implementation of eco-friendly infrastructure solutions, to reduce environmental impact and enhance the long-term sustainability of transportation operations.
- Engage with residents, commuters, and other stakeholders to solicit feedback, gather input, and incorporate community needs and preferences into transportation planning and decision-making processes. Enhanced stakeholder engagement will foster transparency, accountability, and public trust in the agency’s efforts to improve transportation services.
References
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). “Funding and Financing Public Transit Projects”.
- American Public Transportation Association. (2013). “State of Good Repair: Prioritizing the Rehabilitation and Replacement of Existing Capital Assets and Systems”.
- S. Department of Transportation. (2013). “Improving Public Transit Performance, Reliability, and Ridership”.
- Transportation Research Board. (2009). “Equity in Transportation: A Framework for Assessing Equity in Transportation Planning and Project Development”.
- Journal of Public Transportation. (2019). “The Impact of New Mobility Services on the Use of Public Transit”.
- (2018). “Sustainability Assessment of Public Transit Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Existing Tools”.
- World Bank. (2012). “Governance and Institutions for Urban Public Transport Development: A Case Study of Six Latin American and Caribbean Cities”.
- Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). “Funding and Financing Public Transit Projects”.
