Social and economic welfare effect of motorcycle taxis operators in Tanzania a case of Ukonga - IlaIa District - Dar es Salaam

Transport is an economic activity which contribute to the economy through provision of employment, facilitation of easy movement and hence increase income and improved the standard of living. Majority of people in Tanzania are now joining the motorcycle activities each year as an attractive employment opportunity. This study evaluated social and economic welfare effect of motorcycle taxis operators by examining factors influencing income of motorcycle riders, proportion of income motorcycle taxis operation contribute to motorcycle riders and income distribution among motorcycle riders between those who own motorcycles and those who do not own (rented). A total of 170 questionnaires, Tobit regression model and Gini coefficient analyses were used in the study for examining factors influencing income and proportion of income respectively. The result from the study showed that, age of motorcycle riders, ownership type, experience and daily operation hours were positive and statistically significant in influencing income of motorcycle riders from motorcycle activities. The findings further showed that there are significant income differences between motorcycle riders who own motorcycles and those who do not own. Also motorcycle activities found to have the largest share of income compared to other income sources. Government and stakeholders should put more effort and establish good environment for improving this business.