Efficient self-organization of informal public transport networks

The study published in Nature Communications explores the efficiency of informal public transport networks in comparison to formal centralized services. Analyzing over 7000 bus routes in 36 cities across 22 countries, the research reveals that informal transport systems in the Global South self-organize to operate as efficiently as or even better than centralized services in the Global North. These informal networks show fewer detours, more uniform paths, and comparable interconnectivities while remaining profitable without significant subsidies. The findings challenge the common perception of informal transport as inferior and suggest that analyzing large-scale transport data can enhance understanding and lead to more accessible, efficient, and sustainable public transport solutions globally. The study highlights the importance of informal transport in providing mobility to the majority of the population in developing regions and emphasizes the need to recognize and support the efficiency of these self-organized systems.