CHALLENGES FACING TRANSPORT SECTOR IN PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE TO THE SOCIETY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study

The transportation sectors most especially the road transport provide the most efficient means of moving people especially in density populated urban centers. In addition to the well-being of its users, public transport plays a vital role in the productivity of cities which in turn has a direct bearing on the national economies (World Bank, 2001; Lyndon and Todd, 2006).

The need to improve the quality of public transit services to meet the ever-increasing needs and expectations of passengers has been one of the main desires of urban transport planners worldwide. A review of international literature on public transport quality shows that quality of service reflects passenger perception of the quality of public transportation service (Mfinanga, D. and Ochieng 2006).

Urban transport systems in large developing cities face major challenges due to the continuous growth of urban population, private vehicle ownership, congestion, and the fragility public transportation systems. When the urban transport system experiences major difficulties, consequences are felt by households, by businesses, and by the urban community at large. Transport may become a binding constraint on both economic growth and social development and inclusion, along with increased negative impacts on health and on the environment (The World Bank, 2011).

Lagos state is one of the largest economy in the whole of Africa, with an estimated urban population of 9 million (2006 Census) and annual population growth rate of more than 4 percent per annum. Like many other cities in Africa, Lagos state has not escaped from the impacts of poor public transport services: inefficiency, poor quality of service, and lack of safety for commuters (JICA, 2008).

Like many cities in developing countries, urban public transport in Lagos state is mainly by road; making the bus services sector a very important player in the provision of passenger transportation.  Currently, Lagos state has more than 10,000 commuter buses which offer transport services to about 63 percent of the city’s population. As much as 60% of all trips made in the city are done on buses (SUMATRA, 2012).

Access to affordable and good quality public transport services is critical for the urban population of Lagos state which leads to economic, social, and physical isolation, especially among low-income communities located in the city outskirts with inadequate access to public trans­port and other basic urban facilities which are located in the Central Business District (CBD) (Nkurunziza et al, 2012).

Along the same lines, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in 1993 introduced National Transport Policy (NTP), aimed at achieving sustainability in the transport system. Although the NTP ought to guide decision-making in transport industry, it is observed that the policy has little influence. Despite the policy, for instance, Nigeria’s transport infrastructural facilities are deteriorating at a rate N800 billion naira or 5.41 percent per annum and quality of service is falling. Going by the analysis, it is apparent that, in spite of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), huge expenditure in the transport sub-sector of the economy and the introduction of elaborate National Transport Policy coupled with the formulation of strategies for implementing the policy in 1993 and 2002 respectively aimed at promoting viable sustainable transportation, the system still appears sluggish and unsustainable.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The Nigeria transport Systems provide mobility, access and other benefits such as facilitating the productivity of the other sectors of the economy like the Agricultural, and industrial sectors. At the same time the transportation sector contributes to several major environmental pressure including atmospheric pollution, traffic accidents and congestion, resources depletion, waste accumulation and disruption of nature and cities. Similarly, population growth, increased economic activity and growing incomes combine to generate higher demand for transport service which has some negative implication for development. These impacts are economic, social and environmental issues which pose as impediment to sustainable transport system in Nigeria. Following the growth of private public transport in the society there has been so many consequent negative effects; sustainable transport policy has been adopted in many parts of the world, in order to deal effectively with the threats and simultaneously provide optimal mobility and access but there are still some challenges posing as a threat to provide a good and quality service to the public, this study hereby investigates the challenges facing the transport sector in providing quality service to the society, a case study of God is Good Motors.

1.3     Objective of the Study

The main objective of this study is to find out the challenges facing the transport sector in providing quality service in Nigeria, specifically the study intends to;

1.     Find out the challenges affecting provision of quality service in  God is Good Motors

2.     Analyze how the effect of the challenges to the productivity of God is Good Motors

3.     Proffer solution to the challenges of facing the transportation sector in Nigeria

1.4     Research Question

1.     What are the challenges affecting provision of quality service in  God is Good Motors

2.     Is there any effect of the challenges to the productivity of God is Good Motors

3.     What is the solution to the challenges facing the transportation sector in Nigeria

1.5     Research Hypothesis

Ho: there is no effect of the challenges facing the transport industry to the productivity of God is Good Motors

Hi: there is effect of the challenges facing the transport industry to the productivity of God is Good Motors

1.6     Significance of the Study

The outcome of the study will provide valuable information to all stakeholders in the urban public transportation sector in Lagos state particularly, the study will also be useful to managers of public transportation firms by helping them to plan their activities strategically and place more emphasis on quality of services offered. The findings of the study will also help to orient bus operators, conductors and drivers to become service-focused (or customer-focused) as a means of achieving better financial results through offering quality services. The findings of the study will also help policy makers and law makers to identify challenges facing the public transportation sector in Nigeria as a whole and thus, help them to come up with policies, laws and regulations that will help to alleviate the current challenges facing the public transportation sector and hence improve the level of quality of public transportation service.

Lastly, the findings of the study will serve as a guide and reference point for future researchers on the same or similar topics by providing them with a source of empirical literature review and add on the current knowledge on the subject.

1.7     Scope of the Study

This research will focus more on Lagos state because it is the most urbanized largest economy in Nigeria, also God is Good Motors will be used as a case study.

1.8     Delimitation of the Study

Finance for the general research work will be a challenge during the course of study. Correspondents also might not be able to complete or willing to submit the questionnaires given to them.

However, it is believed that these constraints will be worked on by making the best use of the available materials and spending more than the necessary time in the research work. Therefore, it is strongly believed that despite these constraint, its effect on this research report will be minimal, thus, making the objective and significance of the study achievable.

1.9     Definition of Terms

Transport Sector: a category of companies that provide services moving people, goods, or the infrastructure to do so.