Should All Public Transportation Be Free to Reduce Traffic Congestion and Emissions?

Even with the fuel hikes, urban centres in Nigeria are swelling with population as well as vehicles, traffic congestion and pollution getting worse.

A city like Lagos is ranked as one of the most congested cities worldwide, with a Traffic Congestion Index of 62.1, and an average of 25.91 over the past week, residents spend around three hours daily stuck in traffic, while drivers are inching along crowded roads.

This level of congestion causes massive time losses, stress and also heavily contributes to Nigeria’s growing emissions issue.

The question now is, could free public transportation be the unexpected solution to ease Nigeria’s traffic and environmental limitations? With fuel prices reaching new highs and emissions escalating, it might be time to consider radical approaches to urban mobility.

In 2022 alone, Nigeria’s CO2 emissions from fuel combustion reached approximately 100.389 million metric tons, with greenhouse gas emissions hitting 322,336.50 metric tons. This data shows that as urban areas grow and vehicular traffic increases, emissions rise to negatively impact the environment and our health in general.

So, is free public transportation the solution to Nigeria’s dual problems of traffic congestion and pollution? Would offering public transport at no cost encourage people to leave their cars at home, thereby easing the load on Nigeria’s overburdened roads and reducing emissions? 

Well, the primary challenge is that making transport free doesn’t automatically entice people to switch from cars to public transport, especially if the latter is perceived as less convenient. But then, let’s explore the arguments for and against this approach, what if convenient public transit is spread across urban centres?

The Case for Free Public Transportation: A Solution?

1. Economic Relief for Citizens

With recent hikes in fuel prices, public transportation costs have increased, placing a heavy burden on the average Nigerian household. According to recent reports, petrol prices have more than tripled over the last year. For daily commuters, particularly those who depend on fuel-dependent transport options like buses and minibuses, this increase has led to drastic cuts in household budgets.

Offering free public transportation could be a way for the government to provide immediate financial relief to its citizens. This approach would lower the cost of living and also make urban centres more accessible for lower-income citizens, potentially driving economic activity in areas that were previously challenging to access due to high transport costs.

2. Environmental Impact & Emissions Reduction

The environmental argument for free public transportation is particularly solid. Private vehicles are among the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions, accounting for over 20% of all emissions worldwide. If more Nigerians move to public transportation, this could result in a huge reduction in emissions.

A case in point is the Blue Line Train in Lagos, a project that operates independently of fuel, making it a sustainable alternative to fuel-based transport. In making public transit free, the government could significantly reduce dependence on private vehicles, thus lowering emissions and helping Nigeria make meaningful progress towards climate targets.

3. Traffic Decongestion and Urban Planning

For cities disturbed by traffic bottlenecks, free public transportation could be a huge one. Countries like Estonia, which introduced free public transit in its capital, Tallinn, saw a decrease in car usage by 14%, resulting in less congestion as well as pollution, and an improvement in urban air quality. In reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, free public transport could alleviate road congestion, especially in cities like Lagos.

The potential benefits go beyond reduced travel times. Fewer cars on the road could lead to less road maintenance costs and fewer traffic accidents, creating a safer, more efficient urban environment.

The Challenges and Considerations of Free Public Transportation

While we see the benefits of free public transportation as a good one, implementing it in Nigeria comes with challenges.

1. Funding and Infrastructure Limitations

Implementing a large-scale free public transportation system requires adequate funding. For Nigeria, where public transportation infrastructure is already under stress, making it free could lead to overcrowding and wear-and-tear on vehicles and facilities. Ensuring that transit services remain functional and safe would require careful planning and investment.

One way to address funding issues could be through partnerships with private entities or leveraging green bonds, which focus on financing projects that deliver environmental benefits. These methods, however, would require a strong framework to ensure accountability and consistent service quality.

2. Overcoming Public Perception and Resistance

Many Nigerians are accustomed to private vehicle usage, particularly in urban centres where car ownership is seen as a status symbol or necessity for personal security and convenience. Convincing a population to embrace public transportation en masse may require more than just making it free; the quality, safety, and reliability of the service must also be prioritized.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Increased Demand

If free public transportation leads to overcrowding, it could place additional stress on existing systems, leading to maintenance issues and decreased user experience. While the environmental impact per capita would be reduced, overall energy demands would likely rise. Hence, scaling up renewable energy sources and upgrading transport systems would be essential to truly capitalize on the environmental benefits of this initiative.

The Government Has No Business in Business

Nigeria’s public management of transportation infrastructure since independence in 1960 has faced several challenges and successes. Early investments, such as the establishment of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, facilitated regional connectivity. However, mismanagement, corruption, and political instability led to infrastructure deterioration and a decline in services by the late 1970s.

For instance, the 1980s’ Structural Adjustment Programs reduced government spending on public services, resulting in a reliance on informal transport modes like “okadas” and “danfos.” Recent initiatives, such as Lagos’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the revival of railways, show progress. However, issues of corruption, inadequate coverage, and severe traffic congestion persist, particularly in major cities.

In a way, embracing free public transportation could alleviate congestion and emissions, making commuting more accessible. However, it poses challenges like funding, infrastructure readiness, and political will. Addressing these systemic issues is essential for transforming Nigeria’s urban mobility sector into an efficient and sustainable public transport system.

Globally, an overview of public transport management in developed cities involves integrated multimodal networks, including buses, trains, and trams, often supported by unified ticketing systems. Governed by dedicated agencies, these cities prioritize long-term planning, sustainable funding, and technological innovation, such as real-time tracking and mobile ticketing.

If statistics are anything to go by, thanks to the National Bureau of Statistics figures—which have been called into question recently—available data shows that well-managed systems can achieve customer satisfaction rates of up to 90%. Conversely, cities with poor service may see ridership drop by over 30%. But the question begging for an answer is: Does Nigeria have a track record of efficiently managing public infrastructure and monuments? In our case as a people, can we boast of dedicated government agencies, long-term planning, technological innovation, and sustainable funding? We leave you to find the answers.

In a climate where things are working effectively, accessibility and inclusivity are key, ensuring transport is available for all residents, while safety measures and crisis management plans enhance security. Successful examples include Tokyo’s punctual rail network, London’s unified fare system, and Berlin’s integrated services. However, cities facing budget cuts may experience service reductions and increased wait times, leading to declines in user satisfaction. In substance, these elements create efficient, reliable public transport that meets urban needs while addressing environmental and social challenges.

Embracing free public transportation could alleviate congestion and emissions, making commuting more accessible. Still, it poses challenges such as funding, infrastructure readiness, and political will. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for transforming Nigeria’s urban mobility landscape into an efficient and sustainable public transport system.

Nigeria’s Endemic Corruption Scorecard vs. Public Facilities

For us, we stand between the mantra “government has no business in business” and the need for the Federal Government of Nigeria to maintain the homeostasis of the environment, thereby creating an avenue for the private sector to thrive while ensuring a safe environment for citizens. As a matter of fact, it is all about the planet, the people, and posterity.

While we believe the Federal Government of Nigeria may be well positioned to lead a revolution in the transport industry—especially against the background of environmental protection—over time, especially regarding the management of institutions, it has been more of a shadow of itself, not to mention its many-sided and unabated corruption. Nigeria Airways and the failed Nigeria Air project are classic examples.

For the record, Nigeria’s corruption challenges significantly impact governance and development. Just last year (2023), Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) scored Nigeria 24 out of 100, ranking it 150th out of 180 countries. The World Bank’s 2021 control of corruption score for Nigeria was approximately -0.83, reflecting ongoing issues. Local surveys indicate that over 60% of Nigerians believe corruption is prevalent in government institutions. Despite the establishment of anti-corruption agencies, persistent corrupt practices continue to hinder economic growth and social progress. Improving transparency, accountability, and the rule of law is crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s corruption score and governance.

Aside from the fact that the Nigerian government does not have a record of success in managing public infrastructure, the defunct NiTEL serves as another point of concern. Our conviction is that the federal government should not burden itself with the challenge of running a transport business for whatever reasons, but instead create an environment for innovators in the private sector to thrive and achieve outstanding results. We believe that the ripple effects of these efforts would be numerous.

In terms of the environmental hazards and other factors that could justify federal government intervention, we recommend that the federal government choose the path of advocacy and educate the drivers and stakeholders in the transportation sector.