Challenges of Rail Transportation in South West Nigeria

This study was designed to investigate the problems faced by the south-west Nigeria trains both at the railway stations and in transit onboard trains. In order to ascertain the reason behind the observed declining customer patronage, revenue and insignificant contribution of the rail mode in land transport. The purposeful random sampling technique was used in administering 384 Likert scale questionnaires to respondents. Data from 380 valid questionnaires were analysed using the statistical package for social Research(SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics and the Friedman Test results show that passengers faced problems both at the railway stations and in transit onboard trains during travels. The major problems in descending order identified were late arrival of the train, issues of theft, poor sanitary conditions and long queue in the reservation counters at railway stations and in transit onboard train Poor maintenance of toilet, Menace of overcrowding, Menace of roof ridders, and entry of unauthorized vendors. The study concludes that improvement of service quality in the identified areas will enhance customer satisfaction and patronage.