Navigation on this site is not optimized for your browser

Please use a recent version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge to get the most out of the experience.

Find a modern browser
Hero picture
Report
publication

Informal Transport in MENA

  • MENA

UITP MENA CTE has just released the report on Informal Transport in MENA, which looks at the subject through four in-depth case studies covering the cities Amman, Beirut, Cairo and Dubai. The aim of the report is to highlight examples and experiences to better understand Informal Transport in the MENA region, and to propose ways of integration into formal transport services.

The dominance of Informal Transport in the modal share of most developing cities in the region presents a challenge to public and private transport operators as well as policy makers, while simultaneously supporting large population segments, mostly low-income groups, with vital services. 

Sometimes referred to as “paratransit” or “low-cost transport”, Informal Transport usually follows variable routes and adaptive scheduling on small-to-medium-sized vehicles. With a typically semi- to non-skilled labour force, informal transport services are subject to minimal enforcement. This usually results in inconsistent service reliability and in failure to meet standard quality and safety requirements. Consequently, such disorganised modes of transport are not on par with customer needs and expectations, and may even threaten the development of formal transport projects such as BRT and LRT.

Understanding the organisational framework and analysing its stakeholders is crucial before attempting integration of informal transport.  In some cities, the size of informal transport operations cannot be ignored. Even though it may pose challenges for transport authorities and policy makers by occasionally competing with formal transport operators, informal transport does actually fill a market gap, and may not easily be replaceable in the short-term. As a result, public transport authorities need to consider ways of dealing with informal transport to combat congestion, improve road safety and ultimately increase quality of life.

The report highlights how Dubai, as one of the fastest growing cities in the world, had to meet the rapidly increasing demand for transport. With strong political will and financial support, Dubai has managed not only to formalise the informal taxi industry, but also make it financially viable and sustainable. For Amman, Beirut and Cairo, the situation was more challenging given the regulatory inconsistencies and lack of necessary resources to implement reforms.

The report lastly lays out guidelines on how to tackle informal transport by understanding current operations to transforming paratransit services through BRT systems and enabling regulatory and structural reforms.

Non-members can request a copy by contacting [email protected]

Access
exclusive resources
This website uses cookies

This website uses third-party website tracking technologies to give you the best experience, help us understand and continually improve how the site works, and to display advertisements according to users' interests. You consent to the use of our cookies by continuing to browse this website.

Cookies page
  • Essentials Essentials

    Those cookies are essentials to the functioning of the site and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are generally set as a response to actions you take that constitute a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms. You can set your browser to block or be notified of these cookies, but some parts of the website may be affected. These cookies do not store any personally identifying information.

    cloudflare

    Cloudflare uses various cookies to maximize network resources, manage traffic, and protect our customers’ sites from malicious traffic.

    epic-cookie-prefs

    Cookie that remembers the user’s cookie settings preferences. It allows to avoid asking the user about their preferences each time they visit the website.

  • Performance

    This Google Analytics cookie is used to persist session state. Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic anonymously.

    _ga

    This Google Analytics cookie is created when you first visit our site. It contains the version of Google Analytics, a randomly generated ID and a datetime group of your first visit. Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic anonymously.

    _ga_(STREAM ID)

    This Google Analytics cookie is used to persist session state. Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic anonymously.

This website uses cookies

We use cookies and similar techonologies to adjust your preferences, analyze traffic and measure the effectiveness of campaigns. You consent to the use of our cookies by continuing to browse this website.