Blamah, N V; Magidimisha-Chipungu, H; Dayomi, M and Popoola, A A (2023) Intrinsic mode choice determinants based on a descriptive analysis of the perceptions of Abuja commuters: Towards refocusing the societal mind-set on environmentally sustainable modes choice. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 12(1), pp. 1-26. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: This paper sought to uncover the intrinsic determinants of the choice of transport modes in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, based on commuters' perceptions on different modes of transport. The ultimate goal of the study was to come up with suitable multifaceted measures to deter private car usage, while refocusing society's mind-set towards alternative forms of transport, thereby keying into some transport-related sustainable development goals (SDG) goals. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted qualitative methods: 320 commuters were surveyed at bus stops and car parks around the city, and respondents were identified using multistage sampling, aided by purposive/convenience sampling, and this number was reached by saturation of themes. Focus group discussions were held with eight screened public officials from relevant (transportation and environment related) agencies/unions in the city. NVivo 10 software was used to thematically analyse the data gathered from a relativist and an interpretive stand point. Findings: The study found transport mode choice to be intrinsically more motivated by socio-economic forces serving as a basis for other socio-psychological factors. Multifaceted measures, including spatial, socio-economic, environmental and public relation measures, were found suitable to break car-use motives in the study area towards adopting alternative modes of transport, thereby achieving some transport-related SDG targets. Originality/value: The study was unique as it looked at the intrinsic mode choice determinants from a Sub-Saharan African capital city perspective and provided suitable multifaceted best practiced measures that deemphasised car use while emphasising alternative modes, thereby shifting commuters' mind-set towards environmentally sustainable modes of transport.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | abuja commuters; descriptive perceptions; environmental sustainability; intrinsic determinants; mode choice; societal mind-set |
| Index terms: | sustainable development goal, sampling, determinant, motive, car park, Nigeria, methodology, agency, environmental sustainability, Abuja, public relation, society, focus group, qualitative method |
| Subjects: | sociology, infrastructure and transport systems, communities and social development, research methods, sustainable design, health safety and environment, Geography, psychology, participation process, research design and methodology, risk assessment, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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