TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS AND MANAGEMENT IN AKURE TOWNSHIP

Abstract

Effective transportation system is essential to good and sustainable cities. This study investigated urban transportation system in Akure with a view to identifying associated problems facing it and contributory factors. The data used were sourced by employing a combination of structured and unstructured questionnaires as well as interview schedules to obtain information from all stakeholders in Akure transportation system using a multistage sampling technique. The survey revealed problems such as congestion, parking difficulties, accidents, air pollution inadequate transport modes at peak periods and inefficient traffic which were greatly influenced by factors such as; poor interlinking access roads, land use intensity, street trading, drivers attitude, mechanism and the predominance of vehicles of low car passenger unit in the Akure township public transport system. The study also identified lack of a coordinated traffic management agency as the bane of various problems confronting commuters in the township, thus, the research suggested the establishment of Ondo State Traffic Management Agency which shall develop and implement an integrated traffic management program such as traffic regulation enforcement, repair of poor roads, encouragement of mass, transit, traffic education and efficient use of traffic signals to solve both present and future transportation challenges in the township.