Pendular mobility in Yaoundé: determinants, constraints and sustainable perspectives

Urban mobility in Yaoundé is increasingly constrained by rapid demographic growth, unbalanced spatial development, and the absence of structured public transport. Daily commutes between peripheral neighbourhoods and the city centre are characterised by long travel times, heavy congestion, and strong reliance on informal modes. This study addresses the central question of which factors explain long commuting times in Yaoundé, and how they can be mitigated to improve daily mobility conditions. The analysis, based on a survey of 214 respondents (205 valid cases), complemented by spatial analysis, used a binary logit model to estimate the factors affecting the duration of commutes. The results show that over 18% of commuters report trips exceeding one hour, mostly using shared taxis and private cars. There is a significant use of motorcycle taxis to meander in traffic and reduce travel times often without regard for safety. Distance from the city centre, presence of traffic congestion and absence of reliable public transport are the most significant determinants of long commutes, whereas motorcycle taxis reduce the travel duration. Spatial analysis highlights recurrent bottlenecks where large incoming flows converge without adequate infrastructure or effective traffic management. Policy recommendations for efficient pendular mobility in Yaoundé include structuring public transport corridors with options, improved city planning, and strengthening governance through a metropolitan mobility authority, and regulating informal modes. These findings underline the urgency of integrated and inclusive strategies to foster sustainable commuting in Yaoundé.