THE INTERPLAY OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC VARIABLES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT: INSIGHTS FROM KWARA STATE

Abstract

The escalating demands of modern life, driven by both social and economic imperatives, have spurred a corresponding increase in transportation needs, as elucidated by Fadare and Salami (2004). This necessity for movement is not a recent phenomenon but has been a fundamental aspect of human existence since ancient times, as evidenced by historical records dating back to Raft (1918). Over the centuries, individuals have navigated various modes of transportation to fulfill diverse requirements, whether it be the conveyance of goods, dissemination of information, or provision of services, as highlighted by Canoe (1972). However, the onset of urban transportation challenges, as documented by Orski (1975), coincided with rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial expansion. As urban areas burgeoned, so too did the demand for public transportation, especially in locales where household access to private automobiles was limited. This reliance on public transit became particularly pronounced in developing nations, where automobile ownership remained constrained. Consequently, these regions grappled with soaring rates of traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and road accidents, as observed by Huntersville (1975).