NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGY (NITT), ZARIA

LECTURE HANDOUT
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS I (NDTL ONE)
URBAN TRANSPORT

1.0 Definition
Urban transport refers to the comprehensive system of infrastructure, vehicles, services,
policies, and processes that facilitate the movement of people and goods within urbanized
areas such as cities and metropolitan regions. This system includes physical elements like roads,
railways, terminals, and vehicles (buses, trains, taxis, bicycles), as well as regulatory and
operational frameworks that govern transport activities.

Importance and Scope

Transportation is fundamentally about mobility, the movement from one place to another,
which is a critical enabler of all economic, social, and cultural activities in urban settings. It
connects people to workplaces, schools, healthcare, markets, and recreational facilities.
Without effective urban transport systems, cities cannot function efficiently or support the
livelihoods and well-being of their residents.

Social Benefits
1. Enhances Social Inclusion: By providing affordable and accessible transport options,
urban transport bridges gaps between different social groups, enabling equitable
participation in the urban economy and society.

2. Reduces Inequalities: Public transit systems make mobility affordable to low-income

populations, promoting upward social mobility and access to essential services.
3. Promotes Community Interaction: Efficient transport fosters social cohesion by linking
neighborhoods, supporting interactions, and cultural integration.

Economic Benefits
1. Access to Employment: Urban transport connects workers to job centers throughout the
city, reducing unemployment and improving economic productivity.

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 2. Time Efficiency: It reduces travel times and congestion costs, enabling faster, more
predictable commutes and deliveries, which enhance business competitiveness and
daily living.

3. Stimulates Commerce: Improved connectivity supports trade, allowing goods and

services to circulate smoothly, benefiting retail, manufacturing, and informal sectors.

4. Supports Tourism and Local Economy: Effective transport systems make cities attractive
for tourism and investment, boosting economic growth.

In Nigeria, transport planning underscores urban transport as the "hub of the economy,"
essential in connecting people and places, and enabling socio-economic and cultural
interactions. Policy frameworks emphasize integrated, multi-modal transport systems that are
accessible, efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

Theoretical and Practical Frameworks

Urban transport systems should be evaluated against criteria such as equity, accessibility,
and mobility — ensuring fair service distribution, ease of reaching desired destinations, and
freedom of movement.
Challenges like inadequate infrastructure, poor policy enforcement, and ineffective
coordination reduce system efficiency in many Nigerian cities, requiring targeted development
efforts and key performance indicators for improvement.

2.0 Urban vs Rural Transport

Urban and rural transport systems differ significantly due to variations in population density,
infrastructure, travel behaviors, and economic activities. Understanding these differences is
essential for effective transport planning and policy formulation, especially in countries like
Nigeria where both settings exist with unique challenges.

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Differences
Population Density
Urban Areas: High population densities support frequent and fixed-route transportation
services like buses, trains, and taxis. Concentrated demand allows for cost-effective operation
of mass transit systems.
Rural Areas: Lower population density and dispersed settlements make fixed-route public
transit less viable. The large geographic spread requires flexible transport options that can cater
to scattered users.

Infrastructure
Urban Transport Infrastructure: Typically includes well-developed roads, bridges, rail tracks,
terminals, and traffic management systems designed to accommodate multiple modes.
Rural Transport Infrastructure: Often underdeveloped with poor road surface quality, narrow
and winding roads, and limited public transport facilities. This hinders access to services and
markets.

Modes of Transport
Urban Settings: Predominantly rely on public transit (buses, trains), non-motorized modes
(walking, cycling), and private vehicles.

Rural Settings: Rely more on privately owned and motorized vehicles like motorcycles and cars,
animal-drawn carts, bicycles, and in some cases, boats or canoes for areas with waterways.
Travel Behavior

People in urban areas tend to use buses, trains, and walk or cycle more frequently due to
shorter distances and availability of services.

Rural residents often travel longer distances, mainly by motorcycles, motor vehicles, animal
carts, or on foot, and usually require transportation for goods and agricultural products.

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Challenges
Urban Areas: Problems such as traffic congestion, pollution, and overburdened transit facilities.
Rural Areas: Limited accessibility due to poor infrastructure, lack of reliable and affordable
public transport, and longer travel distances.

Importance of Rural Transport in Nigeria

Several studies highlight that rural transport:
Is vital for accessing markets, health facilities, and schools.
Drives agricultural productivity by enabling movement of goods to urban markets.
Often consists of 'invisible' transport such as footpaths and cart tracks which are crucial yet
neglected.
Requires government attention to improve connectivity, infrastructure, and provide tailored
solutions.
Public and Private Transit in Nigeria, with a Focus on Lagos

3.0 Difference between public and private transport

The dynamics between public and private transportation modes in Nigerian cities, especially
Lagos, are complex and deeply interwoven with urban development, economic factors, and
policy challenges. This elaboration draws on recent research and reports to deepen
understanding.
1. Prevalence of Private Minibuses
In Lagos, private minibuses are the dominant mode of urban transport, responsible for
approximately 62% of trips. These vehicles, often called 'danfos', are crucial for daily mobility,
especially because formal public transit systems are limited in reach, capacity, and service
quality. The dominance of minibuses is driven by their flexibility, accessibility, and relatively low
cost. However, their extensive use also contributes to widespread traffic congestion, pollution,
and safety concerns.

2. Challenges of Private Minibus Dominance

While minibuses provide affordable and accessible transit options, their operation often lacks
regulation, leading to issues such as overcrowding, traffic violations, and environmental

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pollution. Moreover, the informal nature of these services means they are susceptible to
inefficiencies and safety hazards.

3. Responses and Policy Interventions

Recent studies, such as Björkegren et al. (2025), show that when governments introduce formal
public transport options, private operators respond adaptively—reducing their service
frequency or switching routes. This competition can benefit consumers through lower prices
and better services but also poses challenges, such as driver welfare and transition strategies.

In Lagos, the government has initiated plans to overhaul the public transport system, including
the envisaged ban on minibuses and expansion of fleet with more organized services like the
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The goal is to replace inefficient and chaotic informal services with a
more regulated, efficient, and safer mass transit alternative.

4.0 Technological Innovations and Smart Transport Solutions

To modernize Lagos’s urban transport, Nigeria is exploring Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS),
harnessing big data, mobile apps, and real-time information to improve service delivery.
Initiatives like mobile journey planners, integrated payments, and green mileage rewards aim
to make public transit more appealing and efficient.

5.0 Traffic Management System

Traffic management systems are essential to ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient movement on
urban roads, especially in fast-growing megacities like Lagos, Nigeria. These systems combine
physical infrastructures, policy enforcement, and advanced technologies to address congestion,
accidents, and environmental impact.

Traffic Management Components

1. Traffic Signals: These regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement at intersections,
improving safety and minimizing conflicts.

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 2. Roundabouts: Circular intersections designed to maintain continuous flow, reduce stop
delays, and lower collision points.

3. Road Markings and Signage: Visual cues and regulatory signs that guide driver behavior,
enhance road safety, and provide navigation information.

4. One-Way Systems: Designated streets with traffic moving only in a single direction to
streamline flows, reduce intersection conflicts, and ease congestion.

5. Parking Management: Controls parking zones and restrictions to prevent obstruction

and enhance road capacity.

6. Enforcement Mechanisms: A combination of police personnel and automated systems

enforces traffic rules to foster law-abiding road behavior.

Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS)

Lagos is undergoing a transformative modernization of its traffic management via Intelligent
Traffic Systems (ITS):

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is leading a 20-year strategic blueprint
to prepare for escalating urbanization and vehicle numbers.

ITS incorporates around 3,000 smart surveillance cameras installed across key locations to
monitor traffic in real time.
 Technologies include speed cameras, electronic police systems, automated number
plate recognition (ANPR), and digital command centers.

 These systems enable proactive responsiveness to traffic violations, inform dynamic

signal adjustments, and support data-driven policymaking.

 Real-time information helps optimize traffic flows and emergency responses.

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Strategic and Institutional Developments
LASTMA currently has over 4,000 operatives strategically deployed to manage traffic, respond
to incidents, and enforce road laws across Lagos.

The agency emphasizes participatory policymaking, aligning with smart governance and digital
innovation.
Public enlightenment campaigns, such as “Drive Safely, Stay Alive,” educate citizens on
compliance and safety.

Coordination with other agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps and emergency services
strengthens holistic traffic governance.

Impact and Recognition

LASTMA’s efforts have reduced congestion, improved road safety, and enhanced the commuter
experience, earning it several national awards.

The 20-year traffic management blueprint sets ambitious goals to address future challenges of
mobility amidst Lagos’s rapid growth.

6.0 History of Urban Transport in Nigeria

Urban transport in Nigeria has evolved over more than a century, shaped by
colonial infrastructure, entrepreneurial initiatives, and post-independence urbanization
challenges. Understanding this history provides essential context for the current state and
future development of Nigerian urban transit systems.

Early Beginnings: Colonial Period and Pioneer Services

The Lagos tramway system, operational from 1902 to 1933, was one of the earliest public
urban transport infrastructures, running from the Iddo train station to Lagos Island. It
primarily served traders, workers, and travelers.

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In 1914, Charlotte Olajumoke Obasa pioneered Nigeria’s first urban bus service, driven less by
profit and more by philanthropy to relieve commuters on the Lagos - Ebute Metta route after
the tram's closure. Her small fleet of four buses offered very affordable fares and operated until
the late 1920s.

By the late 1920s, private operators like the Zarpas bus service expanded bus networks,
serving growing estates and mainland townships such as Yaba, Ebute Metta, and Agege. These
private services often faced unregulated competition and safety concerns.

Expansion and Formalization in the Mid-20th Century

The 1930s saw increasing municipal involvement. Lagos Town Council invited tenders for bus
services to improve connectivity, offering incentives such as free licensing to private
operators who maintained regular, affordable services covering densely populated routes.

Competition among operators led to calls for government regulation to ensure safety,
standardized fares, and vehicle appropriateness.

Post-independence, the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Service (LMTS) was established

and gradually expanded its fleet from 22 buses in 1961 to 120 by 1970, overtaking many
private operators while still coexisting with informal services.

Private-owned bus operators remained significant, serving underserved routes and

complementing public services.

Informal and Intermediate Transport Modes

By the late 20th century, informal transit modes—minibuses (danfos), motorcycles (okadas),
tricycles (kekes)—became vital for urban mobility amid insufficient or inefficient formal
services.
Such informal systems offered flexibility and extensive reach but posed regulatory, safety,
and congestion challenges.

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Modern Era: Lagos Urban Transport Development
The Lagos State Urban Transport Master Plan seeks integrated mass transit through Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT) systems and rail networks.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), established in the early 2000s,
spearheaded the BRT from Mile 12 to Lagos Island and initiated rail projects including the Blue
and Red Lines.

Despite delays and funding challenges, the Blue Line rail service launched in 2023, marking a
significant shift towards modern rapid transit.

Ride-hailing platforms and digitized services increasingly complement traditional transport

modes.

Other Nigerian Cities

Cities like Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt have developed transport services
reflecting similar histories of colonial legacies, post-independence expansion, and
informal sector dominance.
Abuja’s planned mass transit and rail systems indicate government attempts to build
more regulated urban transport models.

7.0 Causes and Solutions for Traffic Congestion in Zaria

Zaria, a strategically located city in Kaduna State, Nigeria, experiences significant
traffic congestion due to a variety of interrelated factors. Understanding these causes and the
recommended solutions is crucial for effective traffic management and urban planning.

Major Causes of Traffic Congestion in Zaria

1. Poor Road Network (92% Influence)
Zaria's road infrastructure is inadequate to handle increasing traffic volumes, with many
roads being narrow, poorly maintained, or lacking alternative routes.

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Limited connectivity and insufficient road network density contribute to bottlenecks and traffic
pile-ups.

Critical roads such as those linking major hubs and educational institutions often
become overwhelmed, leading to slower traffic flow.

2. Passengers and Goods Pick-up and Dropping (87% Influence)

Unregulated stopping of vehicles by passengers and commercial goods vehicles in non-
designated areas disrupts smooth traffic flow. Frequent stops in busy corridors obstruct lanes,
forcing vehicles to maneuver around improperly parked vehicles, causing delays.

3. Poor Traffic Coordination (72% Influence)

Lack of effective traffic management and enforcement leads to disorderly driving behavior,
inefficient intersection control, and increased conflict points.
Inconsistent or absent traffic signals, inadequate signage, and deficient traffic policing
exacerbate congestion.

4. Illegal Parking (70% Influence)

Vehicles parked on sidewalks and carriageways reduce usable road width and block
pedestrian pathways.
Illegal parking near markets and commercial centers restricts traffic capacity and visibility,
increasing congestion risks.

Additional Contributing Factors

High vehicle density during peak hours without adequate public transport alternatives.
The city serving as a transit point connecting northern, southern, central, and western Nigeria
attracts through traffic, further congesting key roadways.
Weak enforcement of traffic regulations and lack of designated loading/unloading zones.

Solutions to Mitigate Traffic Congestion in Zaria

1. Road Infrastructure Improvement

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  Widening existing roads and constructing alternative routes or bypasses to disperse
traffic volumes.
 Maintaining and upgrading road surfaces to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce
vehicle damage-related slowdowns.

2. Effective Traffic Management and Enforcement

 Implementing and enforcing traffic laws to deter illegal parking and random stopping.
 Enhancing traffic control through proper signaling, roundabouts, and one-way systems
to improve coordination.
 Deploying trained traffic personnel and utilizing Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) for real-
time traffic monitoring and management.

3. Regulation of Passenger and Goods Loading/Unloading

 Establishing designated loading/unloading bays away from main carriageways.
 Enforcing strict rules against unauthorized stops and promoting public awareness on
proper practices.

4. Public Transport Development

 Introducing efficient, affordable public transportation options to reduce private
vehicle dependency.
 Promoting para-transit modes with organized routes and schedules to enhance
accessibility.

5. Urban Planning and Spatial Distribution

 Coordinating land-use planning to reduce travel demand concentrations in
congested areas.
 Developing satellite markets or commercial centers to decentralize traffic-generating
activities.
 Community Engagement and Education
 Sensitizing road users on traffic rules, the importance of discipline, and safe
parking practices.

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  Encouraging stakeholder participation in traffic management initiatives.

8.0 Components of Urban Transport Systems

Urban transport systems are complex, interconnected frameworks designed to facilitate the
efficient movement of people and goods within cities. Understanding their components is
essential for effective planning, operation, and policy making. Below is a detailed explanation of
the key components of urban transport systems, drawing on systems thinking and
contemporary transport planning insights.
1. Infrastructure
 Infrastructure forms the physical backbone of urban transport. It includes all built
elements that support vehicular and pedestrian movement:
 Roads and Streets: The primary paths for movement, varying in hierarchy from highways
and arterial roads to local streets.
 Bridges and Tunnels: Facilitate uninterrupted connectivity across geographical barriers.
 Railways and Terminals: Essential for urban rail services, including metro and light rail
transit.
 Bus Stops and Stations: Points for boarding and alighting, influencing service efficiency.
 Non-motorized Facilities: Sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings that support
sustainable mobility.
 Well-designed infrastructure ensures capacity, connectivity, safety, and accessibility for
all users.

2. Vehicles and Modes of Transport

 Urban transport comprises a variety of modes categorized by capacity, speed, flexibility,
and coverage:
 Public Transit Vehicles: Buses, mini-buses, trams, metro trains, commuter rails.
 Private Vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, including emerging electric and shared
mobility solutions.
 Para-Transit and Informal Modes: Shared taxis, rickshaws, motorized tricycles, which
often complement formal transit.

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  Vehicle availability and mode diversity define the choices and convenience for urban
travelers.

3. Operations and Traffic Management

 This component includes all activities that coordinate and regulate the movement
across the infrastructure:
 Scheduling and Routing: Planning of transit services to match travel demand.
 Traffic Signal Control and Road Markings: Manage flow and safety at intersections.
 Enforcement and Compliance: Ensuring rules and regulations are observed.
 Incident Management: Handling accidents and obstructions promptly.
 Operations aim to optimize efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance safety.

4. Users
 Users are the participants of the transport system, including:
 Commuters and Passengers: Individuals traveling for work, education, or leisure.
 Freight Operators: Businesses and logistics providers moving goods.
 Vulnerable Populations: Elderly, disabled, low-income groups whose needs must be
addressed.
 Understanding user behavior and needs is critical for designing equitable services.

5. Policies and Regulations

 Governance shapes how the urban transport system functions:
 Traffic Laws and Safety Standards: Define rights, responsibilities, and sanctions.
 Urban Planning Policies: Guide land use in relation to transport.
 Integration of Informal Transport: Recognizing and managing para-transit services.
 Environmental and Sustainability Policies: Promote clean and efficient transport.
 Clear and enforceable policies ensure orderly, safe, and sustainable mobility.

6. Technological Systems
 Modern urban transport increasingly relies on technology:

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  Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): Use data, sensors, and communication to optimize
traffic and transit.
 Real-time Passenger Information: Apps and displays inform travelers.
 Automated Vehicles and Smart Infrastructure: Emerging innovations aimed at safety and
efficiency.
 Technology offers tools for dynamic management and improved user experience.

9.0 Mass and Para-Transit Systems

Mass and para-transit systems are fundamental components of urban transportation networks,
each serving distinct but complementary roles in moving people efficiently within urban and
metropolitan areas.
1. Mass Transit Systems
Definition: Mass transit systems are high-capacity public transportation services designed to
move large numbers of passengers on fixed routes with scheduled services. These include
metros (subways), light rail, commuter trains, and large buses.

Characteristics:
 High capacity: Typically carry dozens to hundreds of passengers per vehicle.
 Fixed routes and schedules: Operate on set paths with regular stops to provide
predictable service.
 Infrastructure intensive: Require dedicated infrastructure such as rail tracks, bus rapid
transit (BRT) lanes, stations, and terminals.
 Examples: Metro subway systems, city buses on fixed routes, commuter rail connecting
suburbs to central cities.
 Fare systems: Often use flat or zone-based fares, sometimes integrated across multiple
modes.
Benefits:
 Efficiently moves large populations, reducing congestion and pollution.
 Promotes accessibility and economic activity by connecting key urban and suburban
areas.
 Cost-effective and energy efficient at scale compared to private vehicles.

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2. Para-Transit Systems
Definition: Para-transit refers to flexible, low-capacity transport modes that operate with more
flexible routing and scheduling than mass transit. These modes bridge gaps in formal transit
coverage and often supplement mass transit services.

Characteristics:
 Lower capacity: Vehicles like minibuses, shared taxis, motorized tricycles, and auto-
rickshaws.
 Flexible routes/schedules: May operate on fixed routes or demand-responsive paths.
 Informal or semi-formal: Often run by small operators or individuals, sometimes
unregulated.
 Accessibility: Provide vital last-mile connectivity, serving areas underserved by mass
transit.
 Examples: Minibuses (e.g., danfos in Lagos), motorcycle taxis (okadas), shared taxis.

Benefits:
 Greater network coverage and route flexibility.
 Fills service gaps especially in sprawling urban and peri-urban areas.
 Provides affordable, readily available transportation in many developing cities.

3. Complementarity of Mass and Para-Transit

 Mass transit offers backbone network routes with high capacity and speed.
 Para-transit provides feeder services and access to locations where mass transit cannot
economically operate.
 An integrated urban transport system leverages both to maximize coverage, frequency,
and efficiency.

4. Nigerian Urban Transport Context

 Nigerian cities rely heavily on para-transit modes due to underdeveloped mass transit
systems.

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  Lagos exhibits significant use of para-transit minibuses and motorcycle taxis that
complement limited formal bus and rail services.
 Government aims to expand mass transit networks like the Lagos BRT and rail lines but
informal para-transit remains dominant.

10. Importance of Urban Transport to Society

Urban transport is critically important to society because it significantly influences
economic development, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and the overall quality of
urban life. Here is a detailed explanation of the importance of urban transport to society:

Economic Connectivity and Development: Urban transport links production centers,

workplaces, markets, and consumer areas, allowing for efficient movement of goods and labor.
This connectivity promotes productivity and facilitates economies of scale by enabling large
markets to be served. Efficient transport systems attract investments, increase property values,
and generate employment across transport services and related sectors. They support diverse
economic activities from retail to manufacturing and services, fueling urban economic growth.

Social Inclusion and Accessibility: Urban transport ensures access to essential services such as
education, healthcare, and recreation, especially for marginalized groups like the poor,
elderly and disabled. By providing affordable mobility options, public transport reduces social
inequalities and promotes social cohesion. Reliable transport expands opportunities for people
to participate in social, educational, and economic activities, fostering community
integration and well-being.

Time Savings and Productivity Gains: Efficient urban transport reduces travel time and
congestion, enabling commuters to reach destinations faster and more reliably. This increases
individual productivity and overall economic efficiency by minimizing delays, stress, and wasted
fuel. It strengthens labor market flexibility by widening accessible job spheres, allowing
people to seek better employment without unreasonable commuting times.

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Environmental Sustainability: Public and mass transit reduce reliance on private vehicles,
lowering urban traffic congestion and vehicular emissions. This contributes to cleaner air,
reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates climate change impacts. Compact and
efficient transport networks promote sustainable urban development by encouraging land-use
patterns that reduce travel distances.

Safety and Quality of Life: Organized urban transport systems incorporate safety
regulations and standardized operations to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. Well-
maintained infrastructure and services enhance urban livability
by facilitating comfortable, convenient, and predictable travel experiences. Reduced
congestion also lowers environmental noise and stress levels in cities.

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