Citation

Blamah NV, Magidimisha-Chipungu H, Dayomi M, Popoola AA. Smart Sustain. Built Environ. 2021; 12(1): 1-26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/SASBE-03-2021-0041

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE This paper sought to uncover the intrinsic determinants of the choice of transport modes in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, based on commuters' perceptions on different modes of transport. The ultimate goal of the study was to come up with suitable multifaceted measures to deter private car usage, while refocusing society's mind-set towards alternative forms of transport, thereby keying into some transport-related sustainable development goals (SDG) goals.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The study adopted qualitative methods: 320 commuters were surveyed at bus stops and car parks around the city, and respondents were identified using multistage sampling, aided by purposive/convenience sampling, and this number was reached by saturation of themes. Focus group discussions were held with eight screened public officials from relevant (transportation and environment related) agencies/unions in the city. NVivo 10 software was used to thematically analyse the data gathered from a relativist and an interpretive stand point.

FINDINGS The study found transport mode choice to be intrinsically more motivated by socio-economic forces serving as a basis for other socio-psychological factors. Multifaceted measures, including spatial, socio-economic, environmental and public relation measures, were found suitable to break car-use motives in the study area towards adopting alternative modes of transport, thereby achieving some transport-related SDG targets.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE The study was unique as it looked at the intrinsic mode choice determinants from a Sub-Saharan African capital city perspective and provided suitable multifaceted best practiced measures that deemphasised car use while emphasising alternative modes, thereby shifting commuters' mind-set towards environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

Language: en

Keywords

Abuja commuters; Descriptive perceptions; Environmental sustainability; Intrinsic determinants; Mode choice; Societal mind-set