APPLICATION OF TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN MULTIMODAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT HUB IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Transportation plays an important role in the economic systems of most developed countries of the world. The public transport system in Abuja, FCT which caters for about 1.4 million commuters is confronted with many complicated and heterogeneous problems such as dilapidated facilities and insufficient public transport operator service that produce intolerable delay and traffic congestion. This study therefore aimed at evaluating passenger satisfaction with the service quality attributes of public transport hubs in Abuja, Nigeria, in order to improve the patronage and efficiency of the system. The study was conducted using a “Mixed-Method” technique that involved qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A survey was carried out and Five (5) samples of transport hubs were selected for this study which includes; Nyanya-Karu-Mararaba axis, Kubwa-Zuba-Suleja axis, Lugbe-Kuje-Gwagwalada axis, Dutse-Bwari axis, and the City Centre axis. A random selection of 400 public transport hub users was made to draw out the overall users’ perception with the use of public transport hubs in Abuja, using a selfadministered questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and findings were presented in form of tables and charts, illustrating passengers’ perceptions on the quality attributes and services provided in Abuja transport facil ities. Out of 14 variables analysed, 12 quality attributes services of public transport hubs in Abuja were highly unsatisfactorily recorded by the respondents. Only two (2) variables (Good security measures within and around terminal and Traffic management in and around the terminal) partially met the expectations of passengers. The study therefore showed that, passengers of public transport hubs were not satisfied with the quality attribute and services provided by Abuja transport facilities. The design of any transport facility should incorporate the application of Transit Oriented Development Strategies for better living and comfortable environment.