THE UTILISATION OF PUBLIC MASS TRANSIT SERVICES (BUS RAPID TRANSIT) IN IKEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the utility of public transportation in Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State. Public road transit is a vital component of urban transportation, and understanding the role and utilisation is crucial for efficient transportation planning. This research aims to identify the factors influencing commuters' choice and use of public road transit, and prevalent challenges. The study employed quantitative method to analyse the data. Questionnaire were administered to a random sample of 400 commuters for in-depth insightsinto public mass transit. The study reveals that factors such as income level, and occupation significantly influence commuters' use of public road transit. Additionally, travel patterns, including trip purpose and frequency, and perceptions of public transit services, such as reliability and comfort, also play a crucial role in commuters' decisions. The findings provide implications for transportation planning and policy-making in Ikeja Local Government Area and beyond. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve public transit services, including increasing frequency and reliability, enhancing safety and security, and promoting affordable fares. Furthermore, the study's findings underscore the importance of understanding commuters' socio-demographic characteristics and travel patterns in designing effective transportation policies. Findings reveals that younger commuters (aged 18- 35) are more likely to use public transit, while older commuters (aged 50 and above) prefer private transportation. Similarly, commuters with lower incomes (less than N50,000 per month) are more likely to use public transit. The recommendations emphasize the need for transportation planners and policymakers to consider the complex interplay of factors influencing commuters' use of public road transit. By understanding these factors, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to increase public transit usage, reduce congestion, and enhance the overall quality of life for commuters especially in urban areas. The study's findings have implications for transportation planning and policy-making in Ikeja Local Government Area and beyond, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to addressing transportation challenges in the country.