Factors Influencing Intercity Trip Generation of Public Passengers Transport in Niger State

Abstract

Public transportation is crucial for mobility and economic growth, especially in densely populated urban areas. However, in Niger State, a lack of comprehensive data on peculiar localized factors influencing intercity travel patterns hinders effective planning. This research addresses this gap by analyzing the local factors affecting intercity trips in nine selected cities: Minna, Bida, Suleja, Kontagora, Mokwa, Lapai, New Bussa, Mashegu, and Shiroro. These cities were chosen based on population density, transportation infrastructure, and their roles as transport hubs. A survey was conducted using passenger manifests from major public transport operators, involving 90,775 passengers over four weeks. Dillman's 2007 sample size formula was used to select a sample of 1,290 passengers with a 97% confidence level. Systematic random sampling was employed, and 1,230 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a 95.3% response rate. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation identified key factors influencing intercity travel, including income (0.927), vehicle type (0.926), occupation (0.908), travel time (0.900), gender (0.894), and trip cost (0.883). Moderately influential factors were marital status (0.577), trip purpose (0.559), car ownership (0.542), household size (0.515), and age (0.514), while education level (0.473) and trip distance (0.204) had lesser impacts. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and transportation authorities to enhance public transport systems and promote sustainable travel in Niger State. The study recommends introducing fare subsidies for low-income passengers to make intercity travel more affordable, increase ridership, and reduce economic barriers to mobility.