Abstract:
ABSTRACT
In Ethiopia, locally modified midi buses are engaged in providing public transportation service
for intercity long distance passengers. One of the major problems in the locally manufactured midi-
buses is, the consideration given by the busybody builders for the passengers’ ergonomics, safety
and comforts very less. In addition to this, the absence of well stated code of practice for bus body
design and approval to control the industry made the things to go in the wrong way. This study
covers an analysis from the ergonomic point of view, in which diverse aspects and variables related
to the comfort and securities of the users. Among the main aspects evaluated are the entry and exit
of the bus, the ease to arrive at the seats, the seats dimension, and distribution of the seats. Each of
these aspects is related to human body measurements, verifying its adaptation to the population of
users. In addition, the dimensional data of the diverse units were compared with the values and
parameters specified in the standard. Finally some suggestions appear on the actions to be taken in
design terms that surely will contribute to improve the security and the comfort of the intercity
passengers to get minimum levels of comfort without dumping the concerns of safety and security
This research is conducted using several methods or mixed approach, which include observation,
checklist, questionnaires and interviews with different groups of passengers, transport officials, car
dealers, busybody builders and technicians.
