Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities in Accessing Public Transport in Onitsha

Albert Ulutorti Green PhD; Ikedimma Chiagoziem; Akpuogwu Augustina Chinyere; Chinemenma C. Ahize; Okeke Emmanuel Odinakachukwu

doi:10.5281/zenodo.20797347

Journal of Arts, Humanities and Society

Volume 1 , Issue 2

Research Article • Open Access

Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities in Accessing Public Transport in Onitsha

Albert Ulutorti Green PhD, Ikedimma Chiagoziem, Akpuogwu Augustina Chinyere, Chinemenma C. Ahize, Okeke Emmanuel Odinakachukwu

Pages 41-48

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20797347

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Abstract

This study examined disability access to public transport in Onitsha, Nigeria. Public transit is crucial for daily life, but bad infrastructure, hostile operator behaviour, and weak regulation enforcement create physical, psychological, and economic hurdles for people with disabilities. The major goal was to identify physical constraints, assess transit operators' attitudes, analyse economic issues, and provide remedies. The study has four research questions and three hypotheses about how physical impediments, operator attitudes, and economic challenges affect transit accessibility. Michael Oliver's Social Model of Disability and Green & Ikechukwu's Accessism Theory underpinned the study. Simple random sampling was utilised to pick 100 disabled Onitsha residents to complete a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency tables, percentages, and 0.05-significant chi-square statistics. Physical barriers like tiny bus entrances, high steps, absence of ramps, and poor road conditions significantly hinder mobility, according to 86–91% of respondents. 69–82% reported operator attitudes including refusing to carry disabled customers, ridicule, and extra fare demands, while 76–83% recognised economic issues such poverty, unemployment, and high transport costs. Rejecting all three null hypotheses showed substantial correlations between each barrier and transport accessibility. The study found that Onitsha's inaccessible transport systems socially marginalise disabled people, promoting dependency and prejudice. Accessible bus designs and road repairs, disability awareness training for transport operators, subsidised fares for low-income disabled people, strict enforcement of Nigeria's Disability Act, public awareness campaigns, and universal design principles are recommended. This project advances disability studies, transport planning, and public administration and promotes inclusive, accessible public transit in Onitsha.

Keywords

Challenges, People with Disabilities, Access, Public Transport

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