Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges

Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor; Folake Olubunmi Akintayo; Inyeneobong Ekoi Edem

doi:10.53635/jit.1772060

Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges

Abstract

This study evaluates the performance of the public transportation system in Makurdi Metropolis using a hybrid Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Min–Max normalization framework, adapted from Gurjar et al. (2020). Data were collected from 20 experts comprising transport operators, government officials, and academic researchers. Five performance dimensions operational efficiency, financial performance, environmental impact, user satisfaction, and transportation infrastructure were assessed using FAHP-derived weights, while Min–Max normalization was applied to standardize service performance scores. Results indicate that operational efficiency (L1 weight = 0.31) is the most influential dimension, with waiting time achieving the highest average score (3.60) and weighted contribution (0.073). However, reliability (3.20), punctuality (3.05), and service frequency (2.90) exhibit only moderate performance. Financial performance reflects strong fare affordability (3.67) but moderate value for money (3.03). The environmental impact dimension performs well, driven by high scores for environmental concern (4.43) and green vehicles (4.07). In contrast, user satisfaction records the weakest performance, particularly in comfort, safety, and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Transportation infrastructure shows moderate performance with notable gaps in pedestrian access and parking facilities. The findings highlight priority areas for improving service quality, infrastructure provision, and sustainable transport planning in Makurdi Metropolis.

Keywords

Project Number

N/A

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for the survey used in this study was obtained from the Benue State Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria, under reference number BSBS/SG/03/41.

Thanks

The authors sincerely acknowledge the support of colleagues, field survey participants, and research assistants who contributed to data collection and analysis. We are also grateful to the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department for providing academic guidance and institutional support. Finally, we appreciate the constructive feedback from peers that helped improve the quality of this work.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Transportation and Traffic, Transportation Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor ^*
0000-0002-5177-4941
Nigeria

Folake Olubunmi Akintayo
0000-0001-6494-9811
Nigeria

Inyeneobong Ekoi Edem This is me
0000-0001-9800-0575
Nigeria

Publication Date

July 1, 2026

Submission Date

August 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 13, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53635/jit.1772060

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA38RC98SP

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Nwafor, E. O., Akintayo, F. O., & Edem, I. E. (2026). Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges. Journal of Innovative Transportation, 7(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.53635/jit.1772060

AMA

1.Nwafor EO, Akintayo FO, Edem IE. Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges. Jinnovtrans. 2026;7(1):1-8. doi:10.53635/jit.1772060

Chicago

Nwafor, Emmanuel Okechukwu, Folake Olubunmi Akintayo, and Inyeneobong Ekoi Edem. 2026. “Public Transport in Transition: Evidence from a Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Makurdi’s Mobility Challenges”. Journal of Innovative Transportation 7 (1): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.53635/jit.1772060.

EndNote

Nwafor EO, Akintayo FO, Edem IE (July 1, 2026) Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges. Journal of Innovative Transportation 7 1 1–8.

IEEE

[1]E. O. Nwafor, F. O. Akintayo, and I. E. Edem, “Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges”, Jinnovtrans, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 1–8, July 2026, doi: 10.53635/jit.1772060.

ISNAD

Nwafor, Emmanuel Okechukwu - Akintayo, Folake Olubunmi - Edem, Inyeneobong Ekoi. “Public Transport in Transition: Evidence from a Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Makurdi’s Mobility Challenges”. Journal of Innovative Transportation 7/1 (July 1, 2026): 1-8. https://doi.org/10.53635/jit.1772060.

JAMA

1.Nwafor EO, Akintayo FO, Edem IE. Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges. Jinnovtrans. 2026;7:1–8.

MLA

Nwafor, Emmanuel Okechukwu, et al. “Public Transport in Transition: Evidence from a Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Makurdi’s Mobility Challenges”. Journal of Innovative Transportation, vol. 7, no. 1, July 2026, pp. 1-8, doi:10.53635/jit.1772060.

Vancouver

1.Emmanuel Okechukwu Nwafor, Folake Olubunmi Akintayo, Inyeneobong Ekoi Edem. Public transport in transition: Evidence from a multi-dimensional assessment of Makurdi’s mobility challenges. Jinnovtrans. 2026 Jul. 1;7(1):1-8. doi:10.53635/jit.1772060