Intrinsic mode choice determinants based on a descriptive analysis of the perceptions of Abuja commuters: towards refocusing the societal mind-set on environmentally sustainable modes choice

Abstract

PurposeThis paper sought to uncover the intrinsic determinants of the choice of transport modes in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, based on commuters' perceptions on different modes of transport. The ultimate goal of the study was to come up with suitable multifaceted measures to deter private car usage, while refocusing society's mind-set towards alternative forms of transport, thereby keying into some transport-related sustainable development goals (SDG) goals.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted qualitative methods: 320 commuters were surveyed at bus stops and car parks around the city, and respondents were identified using multistage sampling, aided by purposive/convenience sampling, and this number was reached by saturation of themes. Focus group discussions were held with eight screened public officials from relevant (transportation and environment related) agencies/unions in the city. NVivo 10 software was used to thematically analyse the data gathered from a relativist and an interpretive stand point.FindingsThe study found transport mode choice to be intrinsically more motivated by socio-economic forces serving as a basis for other socio-psychological factors. Multifaceted measures, including spatial, socio-economic, environmental and public relation measures, were found suitable to break car-use motives in the study area towards adopting alternative modes of transport, thereby achieving some transport-related SDG targets.Originality/valueThe study was unique as it looked at the intrinsic mode choice determinants from a Sub-Saharan African capital city perspective and provided suitable multifaceted best practiced measures that deemphasised car use while emphasising alternative modes, thereby shifting commuters' mind-set towards environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

Perceived Workplace Harassment of Informal Public Transport Operators in Two African Cities

“…Formal public transport systems, such as mass transit busses and rail services provided by the government, are either inadequate or non-functional owing to financial and institutional constraints. In addition, an increased population size and increased separation of workplaces and residences have resulted in a higher demand for transport arising from longer commuting distances for people living on the periphery of cities (Zhao et al, 2017;Popoola et al, 2022;Blamah et al, 2023). The mismatch between the demand for travel and the supply of formal public transport vehicles has led to the emergence and growth of cheap, low cost, privately-operated public transport modes, such as motorcycles, minibuses, taxis, three-wheelers and vans, all of which are referred to as informal transport (Cervero, 2002).…”