Analysis of railway commuting factors and customers patronage in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Railway transportation is a critical component of countries' transportation sectors worldwide. This is because, in the movement of goods and persons, railway transport networks have a clear advantage over other modes of transportation. However, despite the positive outlook, Nigeria's railway transportation networks have faced several challenges to the country's economic and social development, especially in overpopulated cities like Lagos State. The study population consists of 125 railway transportation users in Lagos state. The data were analyzed using descriptive, multiple and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study revealed that safety is the highest predictor of customer patronage amongst railway commuters in Lagos state. This is followed by price, travel time and service quality. This indicates that if the safety of the railway commuters (customers) is guaranteed, they will continue to use the train regardless of the service quality being offered to them. The study recommended that Public-Private Partnership (PPP) should be encouraged in running the affairs of the Nigerian railways for increased efficiency and that industry players need to be proactive by ensuring adequate professionalism in the sector and putting in place modern railway transport facilities.