Users’ assessment of the sustainability of tricycles as public transportation in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract

In recent years, public transit in cities has drawn more interest as means of enhancing sustainability and urban quality of life. Informal public transit system is a common method of transportation that offers vital options for intra-urban and inter-urban travel in many developing nations including Nigeria. This study focused on tricycle as a public transport mode in Ilorin, Nigeria. The use of tricycle has gained prominence in most of the Nigerian cities today including Ilorin, hence the need to further comprehend its wider effects on sustainable urban transportation. The study analysed the environmental, economic and social sustainability of tricycle in the city. Using a quantitative research method and a deductive research approach, the study collected data using questionnaire from 385 participants which included tricycle operators and passengers in the study area. The data were analysed on IBM SPSS 24 using descriptive statistics. The findings of this study showed that tricycle operations in Ilorin have significant environmental, social and economic benefits as majority of respondents (91.2%) agreed that tricycle industry brings about employment opportunities with mean value of 4.26, 89.7% respondents agreed it has positive impact on local business and economy with a mean value of 4.11. Social sustainability findings show that tricycle is accessible for different demographics with 90.4% and 4.26 mean value ranking the highest in social impact. Environmental sustainability of tricycle usage shows that tricycles have lower emission when compared with other modes of transportation and are more fuel efficient with mean values of 3.98 and 3.97 respectively. The study however recommends other sustainable means of transportation such as walking, cycling and provision of mass transportation which can provide all the benefits tricycle can render with less environmental impact.