AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF BOLT SERVICE AS A MEANS OF TRANSPORT AMONG RESIDENTS OF ABUJA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Transportation serves as the fundamental infrastructure supporting urban existence. One of the primary determinants influencing the socio-economic and political development of a city is this aspect. The efficient transport system has had a significant impact on the development of cities, particularly in terms of accessibility and mobility. This has influenced the spatial distribution of economic and social activities by facilitating trade, providing access to resources and people, and enabling greater economies of scale on a global scale (Afolabi, Musa, & Adeoye, 2018). Transportation has a crucial part in several domains of human endeavours, making it a significant factor that greatly influences the success of these operations. The transportation of products and services has assumed a crucial role in the Nigerian economy, mostly owing to its contribution to foreign currency gains within this particular sector. Transport serves as a crucial and robust foundation for a thriving and expanding country [Aiyegbajeje, 2018]. The primary means of transport in both urban and rural regions of every nation, regardless of its level of development, include several modes such as road, train, air, and water. These modes serve the purpose of facilitating the movement of both people and freight [Rogers, 2015]. Freight transport refers to the process of transporting commodities from their point of origin to their intended destination, while passenger travel involves the movement of people from one area to another within a certain timeframe [Russell, Padhi & Salazar, 2017]. Passenger transport may be analysed based on its many forms and capacities, namely public transport and private transport. Private passenger transport refers to the transportation of individuals using privately owned vehicles, while public passenger transport is provided by the government or individuals for shared or group travel for the general public, often on a commercial basis (Atoyebi, Gbadamosi, Nwokoro & Omole, 2015).The business model of partnering with Uber drivers plays a crucial role within the transportation sector, seeing rapid expansion in prominent metropolitan areas (Pepic, 2018). Ever since its inception in 2009, Uber has caused significant disruption within the global transportation sector. According to Eisenmeier (2018), the year 2018 saw a total of 3 million drivers affiliated with Uber, catering to a substantial customer base of 75 million customers throughout more than 600 locations globally. The absence of sufficient methods aimed at augmenting competitive advantage poses challenges for Uber drivers in attaining comparable levels of profit and income as conventional taxi drivers, hence impeding their ability to maintain their families and communities. Nigeria, with an estimated population of over 182 million people, has the distinction of being the most populated nation of African descent worldwide (Muhammad et al., 2017). The constant increase in unemployment may be attributed to the expansion of a community, as stated by Adekola et al. (2016). The transformative effect of ride-hailing services has been well recognised. Nevertheless, the necessary data for evaluating the effects of transport network companies (TNCs) and supporting policies for managing travel demand are not currently being easily accessible. As a result, several empirical studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of ride-hailing services, using census data or big sample surveys. Primarily, the aforementioned study mostly originates from the North American region. A few studies have also examined governance, policy, and mobility concerns related to burgeoning ride-hailing services in other locations, such as Asia (Nie, 2017), South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Due to the relative novelty and ongoing development of ride-hailing services, the available research pertaining to their broader effects is still developing and hence lacks convincing findings. In developing nations, there is a scarcity of empirical data in scholarly publications that might enhance our comprehension of crucial aspects pertaining to ride-hailing. These aspects include the determinants of adoption, the resultant travel patterns, and the implications of ride-hailing on the use of other transportation modes. This study contributes to filling these gaps by assessing acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The use and adoption of ridesourcing services as a means of transportation is increasing in Abuja, particularly among the demographic of students and young individuals with higher levels of education. Ridesourcing, seen as a disruptive innovation within the transportation sector, is fundamentally altering the manner in which individuals participate in various types of journeys. There are several factors that contribute to the widespread utilisation of ridesourcing services among students and young, educated individuals. These factors include the reduced waiting time for pick-up, as ridesourcing services are able to promptly collect passengers from their residences or designated locations on the streets, rather than requiring them to wait at bus stops or hail taxis on the road. Additionally, ridesourcing services offer a faster mode of transportation that accommodates p In addition, it is worth noting that the drivers operating 'Keke' vehicles on the ridesourcing platform exhibit a higher level of politeness. This may be attributed to the implementation of GPS monitoring systems, which not only monitor the vehicle's movements but also provide predicted arrival times for the driver. Consequently, this oversight discourages drivers from exceeding speed limits in their efforts to reach their passengers' destinations promptly. The use of ridesourcing services in urban areas has resulted in an enhanced perception of passenger safety and security. Hence, the researcher assess the acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja.

1.3       Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja. The specific objectives is as follows

i.          Examine whether resident of Abuja are aware of  Bolt service as a means of transportation.

ii.        Explore the level of  acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja.

iii.      Assess whether commuters prefer Bolt service rather than the conventional transport mode in Abuja.

1.4       Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          Are resident of Abuja are aware of  Bolt service as a means of transportation?

ii.        What is the level of  acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja?

iii.      Do commuters prefer Bolt service rather than the conventional transport mode in Abuja?

1.5       Significance of the study

 First, the study results could contribute to the body of entrepreneurial knowledge to benefit both current Uber drivers and prospective Uber drivers. The findings could provide positive social change by enabling Uber drivers to achieve longterm sustainable growth, thus generating employment, reducing poverty, and enhancing

local communities’ economic well-being

1.6       Scope of the study

The study focuses on the acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja. Hence, the study will examine whether resident of Abuja are aware of  Bolt service as a means of transportation, explore the level of  acceptance of Bolt service as a means of transport among residents of Abuja and assess whether commuters prefer Bolt service rather than the conventional transport mode in Abuja. Hence, the study is delimited to Abuja.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced

1.8       Definition of terms

Bolt transport services: these are services provided by drivers under a contract (with you) for the carriage of passengers