Analysis of Fare Structure and Determination of Bus Operation in Nigerian Cities

Abstract

One of the challenging issues in the provision and management of urban transport service in developing countries is the affordability. Due to ineffective regulations, poor enforcement of operational standards, inefficient management practices and low level of technological base, the provision of urban transport services are highly unorganised in many developing countries in Africa particularly in Nigeria. This unorganised nature of urban transport operation has caused undue high cost of public transportation in Nigerian cities because exorbitant transport fares are usually charged by the bus operators. The high cost of transport fares compels urban residents to spend a large portion of their income on mobility with its attendant socioeconomic problems. This paper therefore attempts to analyze the structure and basis for charging public transport fares in Nigerian Cities. It tries to compare and contrast the fares charged by bus operators between and among cities as well as finding out any form of variation that may exist. The paper further highlights the socioeconomic implications of the current bus fare structure and determination and suggests the appropriate fare structure and determination that will enhance transport affordability of the urban poor.