Assessment of Accessibility and User Comfort in Selected Transit Hubs in Southwestern Nigeria

Résumé

Transit hubs play an important role in facilitating passenger movement and supporting efficient public transportation; however, inadequate planning and deficiencies in design features can negatively affect users’ comfort, accessibility and overall travel experience. The study specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of transit hub users, evaluated the functionality of selected design features, and assessed users’ perceptions of accessibility, circulation, comfort and environmental conditions. Seven transit hubs were purposively selected, comprising Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, Ikeja Bus Terminal, TBS Bus Terminal, Challenge Bus Terminal and Ojoo Bus Terminal. A total of 379 questionnaires were administered to passengers across the selected transit hubs, with all questionnaires successfully retrieved and analysed using descriptive statistics and Mean Weighted Value (MWV). The findings revealed that the users were predominantly female (57.0%), while the largest age group was 18–30 years (28.0%). Students constituted the largest occupational group (30.9%), while 84.5% of respondents had patronised the transit hubs for between one and five years. Assessment of design features showed varying levels of performance across the terminals. Parking spaces recorded an overall MWV of 3.68, waiting areas 3.59, ticketing booths 3.41, offices 3.30, and bus loading/off-loading bays 3.21. Accessibility of facilities recorded a relatively high overall MWV of 3.73, while 74.4% of respondents considered passenger and vehicular circulation adequate. However, significant deficiencies were identified in environmental comfort and supporting facilities. Specifically, 62.8% of respondents reported that they were not comfortable within the terminals, while 67.0% indicated that ventilation was inadequate. Toilet facilities also recorded a relatively low overall MWV of 3.07. Despite these deficiencies, 67.0% of respondents considered transportation fares affordable. The study concludes that the effectiveness of a transit hub depends not only on the availability of transportation facilities but also on their adequacy, accessibility, environmental performance and ability to support user comfort. It therefore recommends a user-centred and climate-responsive approach to the design of the proposed Offa Garage Transit Hub, with emphasis on natural ventilation, thermal comfort, adequate sanitation, efficient circulation, accessible facilities, clear wayfinding, sufficient parking and loading spaces, comfortable waiting areas and effective weather protection. The findings provide empirical guidance for architects, planners, transport authorities and other stakeholders in developing more functional, accessible and user-responsive transit hub environments in Nigeria.