Info

Item author
Louise Smith
Item Created
27 Sep 2009
Photo taken on
22 May 2009 9:03 am

Sitting closely together in a matatu


Context of the observation

A Crowd of tightly packed strangers sit together in a matatu. Riding a matatu is a ritual that comes with many positive and negative aspects. Matatu are the fastest way to get around, and since they are run by private owners, they are competitive, cheaply priced and quickly responsive to the needs of the customers, but at the same

time, are frequently in disrepair, overcrowded, sometimes focussed on the wrong aspects of customer service, and are still not cheap

enough to transport the lowest earners of the population, which is often a basic function of public transportation.

Location


 

3 Questions & 0 Responses

What factors are weighed in the decision to take a Matatu to work, or to walk?

Louise Smith
27 Sep 2009

What barriers come with riding matatus and what opportunities?

Louise Smith
16 Dec 2009

How do the barriers and benefits of matatus balance out for the different parties involved (passengers, conductors, drivers, owners)? How do they interact?

Louise Smith
16 Dec 2009