Security and safety perception of commuters of the bus rapid transit system in Lagos State, Nigeria

Using public transportation is important for sustainable development and accessing job opportunities, education, and other necessities. Thus, getting people to use public transportation is important. Metrics for evaluating its quality include reliability, speed, frequency, safety, security, and comfort. Research highlights the importance of safety in the transit environment since it is a place where people spend a significant amount of time. This study assessed the perception of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) commuters in Lagos, Nigeria. It examined the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, analyzed the security and safety perceptions of commuters, and identified factors influencing the commuters’ perceptions. Findings offer insights that could inform policy responses toward enhancing safety and security measures within the Lagos BRT system. Data for this study were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were obtained through questionnaire administration on the commuters on the two BRT routes—Ikorodu-TBS and Abule Egba- Oshodi. Questions focused on demographics, physical conditions of safety facilities in the bus and stations, and rider perceptions. Findings revealed that most safety and security facilities, such as CCTV, first-aid, fire extinguishers, and ramps, are inadequately provided and not functional at BRT bus stops and stations. It also established that the quality of management and maintenance in transit environments directly impacts people's perceptions of safety. The study found traces of unsafe alight practices among drivers and that a significant percentage of respondents, especially males, had experienced crimes such as stealing, pilfering, theft, and armed robbery while in wait areas and on the bus, especially during morning rush hours and evenings. Temporal factors, physical environment, and socioeconomic factors also influence the safety and security perception. Recommendations to improve safety and security include the development of operational code and safety and security policies, the initiation of a call-up system for bus flexibility, facilities improvement, maintenance, provision of handy safety and security information, route tagging, and regular safety assessment.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Community and Regional Planning

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Urban planning

Department dc:contributor.department

Department of Urban Planning and Development

Grantor

Iowa State University

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Adesanya, Abiola Aminat

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Das, Biswa
• Owusu, Francis
• Day, Christopher

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31274/td-20240329-661

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dr.lib.iastate.edu:20.500.12876/Qr9mVjnr