OPERATIONAL EXTERNALITIES OF BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the Operational Externalities of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Lagos state. This concerns evaluation of road accident involving BRT Buses between 2015 and 2019 as part of operational externalities. Accident is considered because of the frequency of its occurrence on the BRT route which has led to loss of lives and properties which is unlike the countries where the idea was taken from. This was done by examining the causes and the level of fatality of the accidents within the period under investigation. And also the approaches to overcoming the identified externalities. Primary and Secondary data were collected and the Data were analysed using descriptive method of data analysis, which were represented in tables and graphs. The study revealed the magnitude of passengers carried by BRT within the period under investigation to be an average of 4 million people per Month, which is an equivalent of 133,333 people per day which represent 20% of the projected population of Lagos state for 2018. The outcome of the investigation revealed that BRT has been a great means of solving the ever increasing movement needs of Lagos metropolitan dwellers in spite of the externalities It can also be seen that the average amount paid for the longest trip in the operation area of the BRT which is from Ikorodu-TBS is minimal compared with the normal conventional means of movement (Molue, Danfo, Private Cars etc.). Also, the number of accident caused by BRT drivers is minimal compared with those caused by third parties as fatal Accidents were caused majorly by third party (Other vehicles other than BRT e.g. Danfo, Molue, Bike, Private Cars, Pedestrians etc.). This shows that BRT has tackled accident as an externality of transportation. In order to curtail accidents as an externality of road transport operation, It is therefore recommended that in order to reduce the accident rate on the BRT lane, the agency should be strict with offenders by apportioning appropriate punishment without compromising rules under whatever guise to serve as a deterrent to others.