Assessment of Passenger Flow and Transport Logistics Efficiency across the Urban-Peri-Urban Interface in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Mobility between urban and peri-urban areas has become increasingly challenging due to urbanisation and population growth. This has made transport logistics challenging. The study sought to analyse passenger flow patterns and examine the determinants of transport logistics efficiency. It also investigated the relationship between passenger flow patterns and logistics performance in selected areas. Several theories explain the complexities of passenger flow and logistics efficiency in peri-urban settings, including Central Place Theory, Urban Transport Theory, and Accessibility Theory. A descriptive survey research approach was adopted. Primary data were obtained from 400 respondents and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed a high intensity of passenger movements in the study area, as 55.0% of respondents were daily commuters, while 45.0% travelled mainly for work purposes. Bus transport was the major mode of transport used by passengers, accounting for 42.0% of total trips. The findings indicated high levels of travel delays, waiting times, congestion, and overcrowding, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. Regression analysis established a strong correlation between passenger flow characteristics and transport logistics efficiency (R = 0.812; R² = 0.659). Transport infrastructure (β = 0.337; p = 0.000), passenger flow (β = 0.302; p = 0.000), and route connectivity (β = 0.254; p = 0.000) positively and significantly affected transport logistics efficiency, while travel time (β = −0.218; p = 0.000), waiting time (β = −0.201), and transport cost  (β = −0.173) negatively affected transport logistics efficiency. The regression model was statistically significant (F = 130.285;       p = 0.000). In conclusion, the study shows that, although public transport remains the basis of passenger mobility along the Ibadan urban and peri-urban corridor, demand has surpassed transport capacity because of increasing urban needs, resulting in relatively moderate transport logistics efficiency. The study recommends increasing public transport services, improving road infrastructure, and integrating transport planning strategies.