DETERMINANTS OF INTRA-URBAN TRAVEL IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA, EVIDENCE FROM THE CITY OF ENUGU

Abstract

Identification of the variables that influence a commuter’s decision to make or embark on a trip is perhaps one of the strategic guides for initiating or adopting any transportation policy in cities. This study aims to examine the influencing factors that determine intra-urban travel in the sub-Saharan city of Enugu, Nigeria. A qualitative research method is adopted, and from the city's various residential areas, three research clusters were identified and selected for investigation. A survey was conducted within the six selected neighbourhoods, which include Abakpa, Gariki and Ogbete neighbourhoods (high residential density areas); New Haven & Uwani neighbourhoods (medium residential density areas); and Trans-Ekulu (low residential density area). This was arrived at using a simple random and stratified sampling technique. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire distributed to 400 respondents based on the Yamane model. It was discovered that apart from socioeconomic determinants that influence the travel behaviour of commuters in the study area, other factors are related to public-transit service attributes. The results of the study also indicated that there is a statistically significant relationship between the various residential areas in Enugu metropolis and the residents’ perception of the factors influencing intra-city mobility (i.e. R = .488 and P = .006 at 0.05 significance level). It is concluded and recommended that urban transportation policies, which emphasize accessibility with policies related to landuse planning and the decentralization of activity within the metropolis, need to be implemented. Other modes of non-motorized transportation should be reintroduced to address the determinants of intra-city mobility such as affordable prices of transport, safety of passengers on board, environmental pollution, traffic congestion and time wastage. Identification of the variables that influence a commuter’s decision to make or embark on a trip is perhaps one of the strategic guides for initiating or adopting any transportation policy in cities. This study aims to examine the influencing factors that determine intra-urban travel in the sub-Saharan city of Enugu, Nigeria. A qualitative research method is adopted, and from the city's various residential areas, three research clusters were identified and selected for investigation. A survey was conducted within the six selected neighbourhoods, which include Abakpa, Gariki and Ogbete neighbourhoods (high residential density areas); New Haven & Uwani neighbourhoods (medium residential density areas); and Trans-Ekulu (low residential density area). This was arrived at using a simple random and stratified sampling technique. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire distributed to 400 respondents based on the Yamane model. It was discovered that apart from socioeconomic determinants that influence the travel behaviour of commuters in the study area, other factors are related to public-transit service attributes. The results of the study also indicated that there is a statistically significant relationship between the various residential areas in Enugu metropolis and the residents’ perception of the factors influencing intra-city mobility (i.e. R = .488 and P = .006 at 0.05 significance level). It is concluded and recommended that urban transportation policies, which emphasize accessibility with policies related to landuse planning and the decentralization of activity within the metropolis, need to be implemented. Other modes of non-motorized transportation should be reintroduced to address the determinants of intra-city mobility such as affordable prices of transport, safety of passengers on board, environmental pollution, traffic congestion and time wastage.