An Assessment of Public Transport Security and Safety: An Examination of Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Nigeria

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the security and safety of public transport in the context of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos Nigeria. This study takes into cognizance the BRT routes with the operational facilities cum public perception of the public transport security and safety. The study entails exposition of risks and challenges of public transport as part of literature.  It examines the risks and challenges in public transport as it relates to passengers experience in respect with the state of BRT in the study area. The focus of this study is the examination of Lagos BRT, the study of the Mile 12 – Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) corridor.

A total number of 153 respondents participated in the survey. From the survey, over 110 responsdents which is more than 70 per cent has not been victim or witness the various incidents either in BRT bus. A Correlation Analysis test is used to test the relationship in the Use of BRT for trip made and other choices. The P value is 0.523, which is greater than 0.005 (P> 0.05) and the decision is to accept Ho. Also, the test result shown that there is positive linear relationship between distance from the BRT bus stops from offices/homes and threat in BRT bus stops as the P value is 0.629, this is greater 0.05 (P>0.05). However, after observing the p value(s) for ‘Occurence’ between the rate of being attacked and being threatened, it is clear that the two groups do not differ (p>0.05).  P value gives conclusive evidence that there is no difference in rate of being attacked and being threatened.

Based on this study, there is need to address the risks and challenges identified, this would pen-ultimately posit Lagos BRT to overcome some of these forces that are undermining its safety and security challenges.  The recommendation on the real time devices must be adopted and implemented, this would redefine the entire Lagos BRT as a means of public transport.

Key words: Public Transport, Security, Safety, Lagos BRT