A REAL TIME TRANSPORT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORT SERVICE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Transport information systems are gaining increased popularity among public bus transport users in developed countries as it provides basic first hand and genuine real time travel information to road users. While these technologies are perceived beneficial to travellers in developed countries, these technologies have rarely been explored in developing countries. Also this research area are still very new and there are very limited studies on this topic. In developing counties such as Nigeria, travellers suffer daily from poor travel information such as unreliable route guidance information, unpredictable bus arrival times, unreliable traffic information, to name a few. The aim of this dissertation is to further explore the various information challenges Nigerian commuters face while using public bus transport as well as design a real time transport information system to improve the commuting experience of people who travel by public buses in Nigeria.

In order to fulfil the objectives of this study, this study adopted a combination of Mixed-methods Sequential Exploratory Design and Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) – for the development of a real time transport information system. Structured online questionnaires and interview sections captured evaluation of real-life experience of road users with the developed system.

The results of this evaluation shows that the proposed system reveals genuine live travel information, such as bus arrival and departure times, schedule trips, estimate journey times, bus route information, vehicle information.

In conclusion, this dissertation has made a significant contribution to the field of information systems as it is a study that explored extensively the key information challenges road users encounter while travelling via public buses in Nigeria.

Keywords: Transport information systems, Public bus transport, Drivers, Commuters, Admin

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              Background to the Study

Transport is the movement of people, animals and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, rail, road, water, cable, pipeline and space. The field can be divided into infrastructure, vehicles and operations. Transport is important because it enables trade between persons, which is essential for the development of civilizations (Ruth et al., 2010). Transport plays an important part in economic growth and globalization, but most types cause air pollution and use large amounts of land. While it is heavily subsidized by governments, good planning of transport is essential to make traffic flow and restrain urban sprawl (Padmanaban et al., 2010; Stopford, 1997). Transport planning allows for high utilization and less impact regarding new infrastructure. Using models of transport forecasting, planners are able to predict future transport patterns. Passenger transport may be public, where operators provide scheduled services, or private (Anna, 2014).

Public transport is a shared passenger transport service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, carpooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement. Public transport modes include city buses, trolleybuses, trams (or light rail) and passenger trains, rapid transit metro/subways/undergrounds etc) and ferries (Anna, 2014). Public transport between cities is dominated by airlines, coaches, and intercity rail. High-speed rail networks are being developed in many parts of the world. Most public transport runs to a scheduled timetable with the most frequent services running to a headway. Shared taxis offer on-demand services in many parts of the world and some services will wait until the vehicle is full before it starts. Paratransit is sometimes used in areas of low-demand and for people who need a door-to-door service (Sheng-hai et al., 2011).

A real-time system is one that must process information and produce a response within a specified time, else risk severe consequences, including failure (Wei, et al., 2010; Sheng-hai et al., 2011). Promoting the use of public transportation and intelligent transport systems, as well as improving transit accessibility for all citizens, may help in decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas (Lino, 2001; Giannopoulos, 2004; Francesco et al., 2011; Sheng-hai et al., 2011). In general, poor information to customers is one of the main issues in public transportation services, which is an important reason for allocating substantial efforts to implement a powerful, easy to use and accessible information system.