Ferry Operators’ Perception on Influencing Factors of Ferry services in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Ferry operations and services are comprised of constituent factors that might be either simple or complex, depending on how they are regarded. Population density, frequency of service, fare, weather, operating cost and time, safety and cleanliness, and so on all play a role. This study aims to assess the factors which influence ferry operations and services in Lagos State with specific objectives to assess the socio-economic characteristics of the ferry operators; determine the level of supply of ferry by the operators; and identify the influencing factors of ferry ridership from Operators’ perspective. Primary and secondary data were source. However, a survey design method was deployed and used for the study. Trip survey was done daily; involved morning and evening traffic between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. For boat/ferry operators, the sample size was 111. The data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics; processed data from questionnaire results was evaluated hypothetically using the Pearson Chi-Square rule. The levels or ratings of supply factors were determined using a Likert rating scale. it was revealed that Ferry ridership is heavily influenced by operating time. Hypothesis tested revealed that ridership Fare does not have associative influence of the number of trips by the operators. The study concluded that supply determinants of ferry ridership and services contribute immensely to the level of ferry patronage and provisions. There is need to monitor irregularities that may crawl-into management and sustainability of water transport development in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.