Ferry Operators’ Perception on Influencing Factors of Ferry services

in Lagos, Nigeria

BABATOPE SUNDAY OLISA1, MOBOLAJI STEPHEN STEPHENS2,

CHIAMAKA LOVELYN OLISA3,

1,2 Department of Logistics and Transport Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NIGERIA

3 Centre for Continuing Education, Federal University of Technology, Akure, NIGERIA

were source. However, a survey design method was deployed and used for the study. Trip survey was done

daily; involved morning and evening traffic between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. For boat/ferry operators, the

sample size was 111. The data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics; processed data from

questionnaire results was evaluated hypothetically using the Pearson Chi-Square rule. The levels or

ratings of supply factors were determined using a Likert rating scale. it was revealed that Ferry ridership is

heavily influenced by operating time. Hypothesis tested revealed that ridership Fare does not have associative

influence of the number of trips by the operators. The study concluded that supply determinants of ferry

ridership and services contribute immensely to the level of ferry patronage and provisions. There is need to

monitor irregularities that may crawl-into management and sustainability of water transport development in

Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

Because of its affordability, efficacy, social

acceptability, safety, and environmental friendliness,

the transportation sector is strongly associated with

and significantly impacts other economic sectors. [1].

Any responsible government must anchor its growth

and development efforts on the transformational

wheel of transportation if it is to manage government,

commercial, and non-governmental institutions

effectively [2]. The revitalization of inland water

transportation services, which for a very long time

the world with over 18 million residents, is growing

at a rate of about 6% annually. More than 45% of the

nation's skilled labourers are employed there, and it

boasts the largest manufacturing sector [4]. The city

has a high proportion of traffic congestion as a result

of insufficient transportation infrastructure expansion

throughout the years to accommodate the city's rising

population. Traveling within Lagos takes twice as

long, and sometimes three times as long, which has a

negative impact on quality of life and economic

passenger patronage; thus, passengers' interests

must be earned as active partners in the

transportation sector [5]. The act or occurrence of

making a decision, according to the English

definition. In this context, determining factors are

factors that influence making the correct decision.

Every potential passenger is critical in making this

selection since something has to trigger the

consumer's choice before demands are made.

Similarly, for transportation operators, ridership

transportation. Transport is vital because it allows

people to trade with one another, which is

necessary for civilizations to grow [6]. Rodrigue

believes that transportation is necessary for

growth and globalization, but that most modes

vital role in economic development, especially for

remote riverine areas and continued that it has a

propensity to relieve the pressure on a country road

and rail transport infrastructure [8]

One of the studies that is connected to this one is

Taylor and Fink, who said that the body of research

explaining transit ridership is shockingly inconsistent,

sometimes ill-conceived, and sometimes yields

confusing or contradicting results [9]. Their goal is to

mode of transportation for bulk goods." It allows

governments to lower transportation costs for bulk

imports and exports. It could play a vital role in

unlocking the economic potential, and increasing

competitiveness and integration of countries that

share waterways such as the Nile” [1].

2 Study Area

This study geographical area is situated inside the

Lagos metropolitan area; as figure 1 and 2

illustrate, canal routes that cross the marinas in

Apapa and Ikorodu are all part of the Lagos state

metropolitan area. The analysis took into account

the ferry operators along these routes.

and medium-sized enterprises. Lagos' transportation

services have expanded and improved in order to

meet the city's growing population and expectations.

There are suburban railways and ferry services. [13].

Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation operates and

operates on some regular routes, such as those

between Lagos Island and the mainland.

The study's objectives were addressed through the

in the study. The questionnaire was designed to

cover a number of topics, including the

socioeconomic characteristics of the ferry staff, the

cooperating operators' ferry supply, the amount of

ferry patronage along the marina to apapa, the

number of trips from the marina to Ikorodu, and an

analysis of the factors that influence ferry service.

Direct observation was used to conduct a daily trip

survey between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Additionally, passenger manifests were gathered for

Table 4.2 depicts the boat voyage from Ikorodu

along the marina, which is identical to the Ikorodu

mind that, from the marina to Ikorodu, a total of

services

As indicated in table 5, study revealed that there are

certain supply factors that influence the service of

ferry transport providers in the study area. The fact

highest percentage score of 394 (88.739%) out of

aggregate score of 444. Information revealed that

ravel time for these operators are usually morning

and evening during which travellers/passengers go

to work and come from work. This period is seen as

peak period when maximum number of trips is

made, maximum turnaround time is achieved, huge

number of passengers is carried and achievable

profits are made. It is an important time for operators

to render services to prospective customers.

was rated second in the rating score with 389 and

percentage score of 87.613%. Operators disclosed

that weather reports area often disseminated

transport services. Most passengers patronising

ferry services do not have strong confidence in ferry

services due to economic situation of the country

coupled with corruption that has crippled the

management and safety in transport service and

operations.

ridership are rated from most important to least

service providers as well as demand variables that

predict ferry ridership. The study found that a number

of supply variables, including as passenger volume,

operation and travel hours, weather, safety and security,

and health status (fatigue, drowsiness/dizziness), affect

providers in the study area. careless driving on the part

of operators, etc. Operating time, which received the

highest percentage score of 394 (88.739%) out of a

possible 444 points, has a significant impact on ferry

ridership. With a score of 389 (87.613%) out of a

Ridership Fare (charges). Ridership fare has no

associated effect on the number of trips made by ferry

service providers (operators) each day. As a result, the

fares charged to passengers have no bearing on the

schedule time, or operating time of the operators.

According to the survey, ferry operators indicated that

one of the most important factors influencing boat

ridership is weather. The study advises that ashore

weather departments be well-equipped with more

sophisticated weather technology in order to send