Despite smartphones, mobile money, and digital services becoming part of everyday life in Cameroon, most people still buy bus tickets the same old way—by going physically to the bus park, standing in long lines, and hoping to find a seat.

So why, in 2025 -2026, are 99% of travelers in Cameroon still stuck with this stressful method?

The answer has less to do with resistance to technology—and more to do with habits, awareness, and trust. Let’s break it down.

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1. Old Habits Die Hard

For decades, buying a bus ticket in Cameroon has meant:

• Going to the bus park early
• Asking agents for availability
• Waiting until a bus fills up

This method has been passed down naturally. People simply repeat what they’ve always known.

For many travelers, especially frequent ones, the idea of doing it differently never even crosses their mind.

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2. “This Is How Everyone Does It”

In cities like Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Bamenda, and Buea, bus parks are always crowded. This creates the illusion that the old method is the only method.

When people see long lines every day, it reinforces the belief that:

“If everyone is here, this must be the right way.”

In reality, it’s just the most familiar way—not the best one.

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3. Lack of Awareness About Better Options

Many people simply don’t know that they can:

• Book bus tickets in advance
• Reserve seats before travel day
• Avoid queues entirely

Digital bus booking is still new in Cameroon, and awareness is growing—but slowly. Without proper information, people stick to what they know.

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4. Fear of Change and Trust Issues

Some travelers worry about:

• Losing their money
• Not getting a real ticket
• Being stranded

These fears are understandable, especially in a market where informal systems have dominated transport for years.

As a result, many people prefer face-to-face transactions—even if they are stressful and inefficient.

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5. The Bus Park Culture

Bus parks in Cameroon are more than transport hubs—they are social spaces. People are used to:

• Negotiating
• Asking questions in person
• Watching buses before choosing

This culture keeps people physically present at parks, even when better alternatives exist.

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The Problem With the Old Method

While familiar, the old way of buying bus tickets comes with serious downsides:

• Long waiting times
• Unclear departure schedules
• Sold-out buses
• Forced night travel
• Unnecessary stress

What used to work years ago no longer fits today’s busy travel demands.

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Why the Shift Is Finally Starting

Things are changing. More Cameroonians now:

• Use smartphones daily
• Pay with mobile money
• Expect convenience and speed

This is why digital solutions like the Motorboy app are gaining attention—by allowing travelers to book bus tickets in advance, plan properly, and arrive at the park ready to board.

The change isn’t instant—but it’s inevitable.

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The Future of Buying Bus Tickets in Cameroon

The old method survives because it’s familiar—not because it’s better.

As awareness increases and trust grows, more people will move toward:

• Online booking
• Advance seat reservation
• Stress-free intercity travel

The same way mobile money replaced cash-only transactions, digital bus ticketing will replace long queues at bus parks.

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Final Thoughts

99% of people in Cameroon still buy bus tickets the old way—not because they want stress, but because they haven’t been shown a better way clearly enough.

The moment travelers realize they can plan ahead, avoid queues, and travel calmly, the old method will slowly disappear.

Change has already started. The question is not if—but how fast