Urban Transportation Challenges In Calabar Causes Implications And Solutions

Abstract Transport systems are meant to support cities with complex spatial structures and a high concentration of socio-economic activities. Calabar is acclaimed to be one of the leading tourist destinations of Nigeria and its development is highly dependent on the efficiency of its transport system. This paper seeks to find out the causes implications and solutions to the recent traffic congestions in Calabar particularly following the ban of commercial motorcycles Okada. Structured questionnaires were used as research instrument and the analysis was done by simple tables of percentage frequency distribution of the responses. The findings reveal that the recent traffic challenges are largely due to inexperienced inconsiderate and undisciplined taxi drivers who have just shifted to driving without requisite knowledge of road driving rulesregulations as well as the influx of more cars into Calabar. It was also observed that the transport problems have implications on the environment loss of productive man hours increase stress and reduced productivity. Other implications include increased fatalities increased accidents rates. Possible solutions proffered by respondents include educating taxi drivers proper driving license certification process proper traffic signal synchronization encouraging non-motorized transportation encouraging carpooling and provision of parking lots at designated points near economic activities like market offices etc. The paper demonstrates that some urban transportation challenges can be avoided by proper planning simple value re-orientation and positive attitudinal changes.