INTRA- MODAL COMPETITION IN URBAN PARA- TRANSIT SYSTEMS:

Abstract

This study elucidates on intra-modal competition in urban Para transit system as it affects Akure metropolis. Against the background of the land use areas, transport systems and facilities, and operational characteristic of Para transit mode, modal split trends were studied. Intra-city travel behavior survey was also conducted. The study area was classified into nine zones (according to land use configuration) to facilitate collection or data and their summary. Data on Intra-city travel characteristics were collected through intensive home interview supported by road side interview, rider-ship surveys, general observations and other standard information gathering techniques. Home interviews were conducted using a comprehensive questionnaire covering socio-economic, travel behaviour and level of service features. A simple size of 1 in 10 dwelling units was used in accordance with the recommendation of Bureau of Public Roads. Traffic survey was also conducted using manual counting for one week during morning, afternoon and evening peak periods to determine the characteristics of traffic volume on major roads within Akure metropolis. The overall transport environment of existing transportation of the study area was assessed through the inventory facilities. The analyses of data were done with the aid of computer software such as SPSS and MS-Excel. Volumes of Inter-zonal trip exchanges were estimated and the distributions explained. Modal split trends among the Para-transit modes were used to calibrate standard modal split models (Behavioural Models). The analyses of the modal split trends via the Behavioural Models indicate clearly that both the taxi mode and the motorcycle mode have major inherent advantages especially over the bus mode. These in the author's view could be indices of availability of the modes. The analyses further indicate that long journeys and long waiting time favour the motorcycle mode. Long walking time favour the taxi mode over other modes while short waiting time favour the motorcycle mode. High travel cost favours the motorcycle mode over other modes while low travel cost favours the bus mode. The results and observations of the transit operations within Akure metropolis show that the various modes compete rather than complement one another. This is obviously not to the advantage of the patrons. Besides the limitation due to service characteristics and factors due to inadequacies of operators, institutional issues and environmental factors also combine to accentuate the problems faced by public transport patrons in Akure metropolis. Based on results obtained, an integrated Para-transit scheme for transit service in the study area was proposed and may be extended to similar cities in Nigeria.