Differentiated choices of urban modes of transport in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Challenges of territorial planning and logics of the stakeholders

Urban transport in the metropolis of Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso) is multimodal. The choice of modes of transport by users is determined by various factors. Taking these factors into account leads to better mobility planning. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the factors that determine the choice of urban transport modes by users in the municipality of Ouagadougou. To achieve this, data on the fleet of different types of vehicles was collected from the General Directorate of Urban Mobility of Burkina Faso. Also, traffic counting operations and household surveys have been carried out. The systems approach was used for the analysis and interpretation of the results. The results of this study reveal that the two-wheeled motorcycle remains the dominant mode of urban transport in Ouagadougou, used by 67% of users. However, 4% of these motorcycle users explain this modal choice of travel with regard to the flexibility offered by the motorcycle to avoid road congestion. Also, the motorcycle connects the different districts of the city that are not accessible by public transit because of the low level of development of the road network. Walk-ing as a mode of transport occupies only 1% of users. This situation can be explained by the lack of pedestrian paths, the effect of high temperatures and the low income of some house-holds. Indeed, 100% of users on foot say they walk for their trips because of a lack of financial means. Urban development and the implementation of an inclusive public transport system are essential for better mobility of the population in Ouagadougou.