An appraisal of Commercial Operation of Tricycles as a means of Public Mobility in Urban Centres of a Developing Environment: A Case Study of Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

One of the most serious problems of urban centers of developing countries today is that of mobility, which is closely associated to poverty. The problem is generally manifested in various forms, which include shortage of vehicles, traffic congestion, delays, poor road conditions, accidents and environmental pollutions. As part of the government’s effort in Nigeria to solve mobility problem occasioned by high poverty level in many cities, the Federal Government of Nigeria in year 2002 introduced the use of tricycles as a mode of public transportation in some Nigerian cities with the intention of alleviating urban poverty and at the same time solving the mobility problem of the urban residents. The paper therefore appraises the operational performance of this new mode in Nigeria with a view to determine the success or otherwise of the mode in solving urban mobility problem. The paper reveals that the mode to some extent achieves the dual objectives of providing jobs for many unemployed urban populace and also contributes towards improving urban mobility. However, the operation of the mode is currently characterized by two major operational problems. The first is maintenance problem which, manifests in form of inadequate spare parts and lack of skilled auto- technicians to handle the repairs and maintenance. The second problem has to do with operating environment which is not conducive for the operation of the new mode. It was therefore revealed that the underlying factor responsible for these problems is inadequate planning before the implementation of the project. The paper finally suggests some policy actions that could be taken to guarantee successful implementation of the urban mobility improvement programme. It therefore concludes that the issues emanated from this appraisal will not only provide guides for transport policy makers in Nigeria but also in other countries with similar socio-economic development experience with Nigeria.