Bus Rapid Transit and the Opportunities and challenges of sustainable urban transportation in Metropolitan Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Kano metropolitan area is witnessing increasing population growth with transportation problems that has continued to pose serious mobility crisis of ever-increasing congestions on her roads. With growing inadequacy of public transport services, benefits of efficient planning for sustainable transportation system for a city like Kano cannot be overemphasized. This research assessed the likely challenges and opportunities of proposed Bus Rapid Transit Operations in Kano Metropolis. Through quantitative data survey and analysis, the study revealed that Kano metropolis public transport are commonly used by the low-income city residents and often fall short of demands. Although, the Kano State Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has been managing traffic problems in the metropolis, introducing BRT can further accelerate successful realization of the goals of 21st urban transport services that can become model for similar cities in Nigeria and beyond. Even though Kano is ancient city, it is anticipated that there would be little challenges in the introduction, building and operations of the proposed BRT in regards to structural construction and similar road expansion exercise. Generally low-income level of the city residents and the equally low revenue base of the state are also issues that, although, important but, can hardly derail the present and future prospects of the project. We concluded that, just as the pre-colonial Trans-Sahara trades and the 20th century north south movements were aided by camels and trains for the city of Kano, this same ancient city is yet on the verge of receiving another veritable impetus of urban and regional economic development in this 21st century of urbanization through the BRT.