Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Railway Transport System in Lagos: Geographic Information System Approach

Abstract

Lagos metropolitan area is by far the largest and most complex urban area in Nigeria. With ever-increasing population, the transport system in Lagos is becoming complex in nature, due to the fact that, it combines different modes of transportation over a limited space in high-density areas with increasing
transport demand. This research paper is to produce a GIS based transport system in enhancing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Railroad Transport system of Lagos State. Point data (coordinates) of the train terminals and the BRT bus stops were obtained by hand held GPS, which were marked waypoints, saved in DXF file format and exported to AutoCAD environment. AutoCAD 2006 was then used in digitizing and geo-referencing the BRT and Rail line maps. The image obtained was overlaid using ArcGIS 9.2 on Lagos land use and street map available on Map Source stand-alone application for the purpose of correct
alignment. A database was created and populated in the ArcGIS 9.2 environment. Line layers were created for BRT routes, Rail line and point layers for BRT Bus stops and Rail Terminals respectively. In addition, a time and cost model user interface application was developed using Visual Studios 2006 and ArcGIS 9.2. Routes analysis networks such as optimal route paths were carried out. Finally, a mathematical model was developed for estimating the average number of commuters, the number of vehicles for carrying such commuters, the number of trips required by the vehicles as well as the revenue that can be generated for such trips. It is recommended that a GIS controlled and organized transport system is a catalyst for effective transport system in Lagos State in particular and
Nigeria in general.