Towards modal choice decision-making models: A case study of Lagos state transport corporation bus riders

Identification of the socioeconomic factors which affect the demand for buses, and the analysis of the use of the other transport modes by bus users are the two main objectives of this article. Work and school trips are highlighted as being very important trip purposes in Lagos metropolis by the multiple discriminant analysis model. It identifies mode of transport, distance, travel time, reliability, and the number of stops as significant mode choice variables. Multiple linear regression models for work and school trips identify mode of transport, transport fare, travel time, annual income, and crew behaviour as significant variables in the choice of transport mode. These findings support the two alternative hypotheses of the study that the choice of bus is related to the individual perception of the quality of service of the different modes and that socioeconomic characteristics of the riders influence the patronage of buses. The attention of policy makers for the 22 transport corporations that operate inter- and intra-urban services in all the 21 states and the federal capital of Abuja in Nigeria is drawn to the importance of these variables for decisions.