Abstract
The prevalence of private car for commuting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja is of concern to transport policy makers and planners because of its negative consequences on both physical and socio-economic environments. This study therefore investigates commuters’ access to public transport using four key indicators (public transport fare, service frequency, walking distance to access points and waiting time at public transport terminals/bus stops). Relevant data were collected from the public transport operators and commuters using a combination of interview, questionnaire and GPS (Garmin 62x), the data collected were analysed and manipulated on Geographic Information System (GIS) Arc-GIS 9.3 environment to show areas with equal mean values of waiting time, transport fare, bus service frequency and distance to public transport access points. The results showed that Gwagwalada and Zuba axis with 58 mean bus frequency per day, average 109 metres to public transport access points, about 20 min mean waiting time in the park and N158 mean transport fare per tip has the best access to public transport in FCT but still fell short of best practices. The study recommended a redesign of public transport routes, bus stops and terminals across the FCT that will reflect its current physical development pattern, while stakeholders should stepped-up efforts to provide enough and affordable public transport services. Key words: Access, points, public, transport.
Highlights
Transport needs of major cities in Nigeria present significant challenges for policy makers as the unpredictable shift in population dynamics in response to the need for employment, housing and sustenance continues
A good and efficient public transport system is the one which enables commuters to travel where they want, when they want and at the price they can afford. Achieving this can be done through the development of a multi-modal transport system which provides a variety of public transport services to suit a wide range of individual needs
The study shows that Abuja city at the Wuse and Garki Area 1 terminal has the highest hourly bus mean frequency. This is because, most public transport coming from the city periphery (Zuba, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Lugbe and Kubwa) empties into them
Summary
Transport needs of major cities in Nigeria present significant challenges for policy makers as the unpredictable shift in population dynamics in response to the need for employment, housing and sustenance continues. It has the potential of being used as a policy tool to reduce the number of cars on urban roads and by implication reduce traffic congestion in the city. This study examines the pattern of public transport access level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja-Nigeria
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