Equity In Public Transportation: Accessibility And Affordability In Lagos, Kaduna, And The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

Public transportation equity remains a critical challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities in Nigeria. This study examines the extent of accessibility and affordability of public transport services in three major Nigerian urban regions namely; Lagos State, Kaduna State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The study adopts a cross-sectional survey design using structured questionnaires administered to 1,050 commuters across selected transport corridors. Accessibility indicators include travel time, distance to transport stops, and waiting time, while affordability indicators focus on transport cost relative to income and fare stability. Findings reveal significant spatial and socio-economic disparities in transport access, with Lagos exhibiting higher service availability but increased cost burden, Kaduna showing moderate accessibility with lower affordability, and FCT reflecting planned infrastructure but unequal distribution of services. The study concludes that transport equity in Nigeria is constrained by income inequality, spatial planning gaps, and inconsistent transport regulation. Policy recommendations include improvement of urban planning strategies to reduce spatial inequality, strengthening of fare regulation and service monitoring mechanisms, expansion of inclusive transport infrastructure, and targeted subsidies for low-income commuters, as well as increase investment in peri-urban transport infrastructure.