TITLE:
Towards Inclusive Transportation System for the Vulnerable Populations in Cameroon: A Focus on Commuters between Yaounde and Its Satellite Towns
AUTHORS:
Anehmbom Ghoutum, John Joseph Puthenkam, Aloysious Kohtem Lebga
KEYWORDS:
Inclusive Transportation System, Vulnerable Population, Geospatial Analysis, SDG 11, Universal Design Theory
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geographic Information System,
Vol.17 No.5,
October
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: In a time of burgeoning population growth, high urbanization, and sprawling with a population that is attached to its city centre by pull factors, the stakeholders in Cameroon have not succeeded in providing an inclusive transportation system to its vulnerable population. Whereas, leaving no one behind is crucial in meeting the SDGs. Based on the Universal Design Theory and the Five As framework, this study investigates the characteristics of the transport system and appraisal by the vulnerable population regarding the mobility challenges linked to availability, accessibility, affordability, safety/security, comfort/adaptability based on 25 indicators. To accomplish this, both secondary and primary data were exploited to attain the research objectives. Data was collected from several Ministerial Departments, Institutions and the major stakeholders in charge of transportation services. Meanwhile, 125 questionnaires were administered, and geospatial data collected and spatially analysed using SDG target 11.2 guidelines in measuring inclusiveness. Findings illustrate limited routes in poor state with outdated modes that are not convenient for people with special needs. The population appraisal reveals a very minimum mean score classified on a one to five-point Likert scale, which highlights that the major challenges are linked to affordability (1.2) followed by accessibility (1.5), then comfort/adaptability (1.6), safety/security (1.9) and availability (2.2). Considering equal weighting in all dimensions, Mfou commuters face more mobility challenges as their rating resulted to a lowest overall mean of 1.68 followed by Mbankomo with 1.69 and then Soa with 1.75. This result thus appraises and informs the prioritization of transport investment proposals for the stakeholders in providing an inclusive transport system for the vulnerable segment of road users.