Public Perception on Government-Owned Public Bus System in Freetown: A Case Study of WAKA FINE Bus

Abstract

Public transportation is very important for getting around in cities, boosting the economy, and protecting the environment. The government-owned WAKA FINE bus system was set up in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to make public transportation more efficient and lessen the need for informal transportation services. This study looks at what people think about the WAKA FINE bus system, focusing on service quality, cost, ease of use, safety, and overall satisfaction. We used a mixed-method approach, which included surveys (n=500) and interviews (n=20) with people who commute in Freetown. The results show that people think the WAKA FINE bus system is cheaper and safer than other forms of transportation, but problems like inconsistent schedules, overcrowding, and limited route coverage still exist. The study suggests that the government should make changes to policies to make services more reliable, add more routes, and get more people involved in the process. This will help people trust government-run transportation systems more.