A REAL TIME TRANSPORT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC BUS TRANSPORT SERVICE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Transport information systems are gaining increased popularity among public bus transport users in developed countries as it provides basic first hand and genuine real time travel information to road users. While these technologies are perceived beneficial to travellers in developed countries, these technologies have rarely been explored in developing countries. Also this research area are still very new and there are very limited studies on this topic. In developing counties such as Nigeria, travellers suffer daily from poor travel information such as unreliable route guidance information, unpredictable bus arrival times, unreliable traffic information, to name a few. The aim of this dissertation is to further explore the various information challenges Nigerian commuters face while using public bus transport as well as design a real time transport information system to improve the commuting experience of people who travel by public buses in Nigeria.

In order to fulfil the objectives of this study, this study adopted a combination of Mixed-methods Sequential Exploratory Design and Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) – for the development of a real time transport information system. Structured online questionnaires and interview sections captured evaluation of real-life experience of road users with the developed system.

The results of this evaluation shows that the proposed system reveals genuine live travel information, such as bus arrival and departure times, schedule trips, estimate journey times, bus route information, vehicle information.

In conclusion, this dissertation has made a significant contribution to the field of information systems as it is a study that explored extensively the key information challenges road users encounter while travelling via public buses in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 2
1.3 Objective of the Study 3
1.4 Significance of the Study 3
1.5 Methodology 3
1.6 Organization of the Study 6

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1Chapter Overview 7
2.2 Benefits of a Real-Time Transport Information System 7
2.3 Challenges in Implementing Transport Information System 8
2.4 Studies about Transport Information Systems 8
2.4.1 Seattle Department of Transportation 8
2.4.2 Intelligent Transport Systems in the United Kingdom 9
2.4.3 Japan VICS (Vehicle Information Communications Systems)11
2.4.4 India ITS (Intelligent Transport System) 12
2.4.5 ITS Implementation in the Czech Republic14

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction 15
3.1 Why Mixed-Methods Design 15
3.2 Research Method 16
3.3 System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSAADM) 17
3.4 Research Tools 17
3.5 Justification of Research Tools 18
3.6 System Architecture 19
3.7 System Flowchart 20

CHAPTER FOUR: SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION AND
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

4.0 Introduction 23
4.1 Real-Time Transport Information System-Implementation 23
4.2 Implementation Plan26
4.3 Mobile Application Interface Design27
4.4 Testing the New System28
4.5 Installing the New System 28
4.5.1 Hardware Requirement 28
4.5.2 Software Requirement 29
4.6 Software Description 29
4.6.1 Administrator Mobile Client 29
4.6.2 Driver Mobile Client 31
4.6.3 Commuter Mobile Client 32
4.7 System Testing 34
4.8 Testing Result 34

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION
AND RECOMMENDATIONS

50 Introduction 41
5.1 Summary 41
5.2 Conclusion 41
5.3 Recommendations 42
5.4 Contribution to Knowledge 42
References 43
Appendix 46