Smart Transportation Systems and Congestion Reductionin in Lagos, Nigeria

This study examined the role of Smart Transportation Systems (STS) in reducing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility in Lagos, Nigeria. The study specifically investigated the current state of traffic management systems in Lagos, identified the major causes of traffic congestion, assessed the economic and environmental impacts of congestion, and evaluated the effectiveness of Smart Transportation Systems in enhancing traffic flow efficiency and congestion reduction. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and traffic observations from commuters, traffic officials, and transportation experts within Lagos metropolis. A total of 150 respondents were selected using stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and chi-square analysis with the aid of SPSS version 28. The findings revealed that poor road infrastructure, weak traffic signal coordination, illegal parking, roadside trading, inadequate public transportation systems, and rapid urbanization are major causes of traffic congestion in Lagos. Regression analysis showed that Smart Transportation Systems have a statistically significant positive effect on traffic congestion reduction in Lagos, while correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between real-time traffic monitoring systems and traffic flow efficiency. The study recommended increased investment in intelligent transportation technologies, modernization of road infrastructure, stronger traffic law enforcement, improved inter-agency coordination, and expansion of integrated public transportation systems.