Public Transport Operation and Compliance with Covid-19 Preventive Measures in the Cities of Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines public transport operations and compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures in southwestern Nigeria. The concept of public transport governance and the theory of citizens' participation are used as an anchor for the study, while a cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. Primary and secondary data were sourced. A convenient sampling technique was used in selecting 123 respondents across the southwest geopolitical zone in Nigeria, while a Google Survey structured questionnaire was used in gathering data, and a ridge regression for hypothesis testing. The study revealed that despite movement restriction order majority (65%) use public transport to visit family-friends, commercial and worship centres; non-compliance with physical distancing (58%); commuters’ level of safety in contacting Corona-virus is low (33%); commuters affirmed the use of soap and water (27%), alcohol-based sanitizer (10%), nose mask (48%), hand gloves (1%); preventive measures were put in place by park managers (22%). Ridge Regression shows that education does not affect compliance (p>0.05), while restriction of movements, the presence of law enforcement, and their effectiveness do (p<0.05). It was suggested that more awareness be created, commuters and park managers should be educated, engaged, and comply with COVID-19 measures while sanctions and fines are levied on violators.