The Public Health Risks of Overcrowding in Public Transport

1.1 Introduction

Public transport is broadly defined as a shared mobility system that provides organized transportation services to the general public through modes such as buses, ferries, trains, and rapid transit systems (Adejumo & Oluwatosin, 2021). In major urban centers, public transport serves as a critical lifeline that supports economic productivity, social interaction, and access to essential services. Lagos State, as Nigeria's most populous and economically vibrant city, relies heavily on its public transport network to move millions of residents daily (Okafor, 2022).

Overcrowding in public transport refers to a situation where the number of passengers exceeds the system's designed capacity, resulting in physical congestion, reduced comfort, and heightened exposure to health risks (World Health Organization, 2020). The struggle for space among commuters often leads to prolonged physical contact, inadequate ventilation, and elevated stress levels, all of which contribute to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, heat exhaustion, respiratory irritation, and musculoskeletal strain.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Public transport plays a central role in shaping urban mobility, economic productivity, and social interactions in rapidly growing cities. According to Adejumo and Oluwatosin (2021), public transport remains the backbone of daily commuting in Lagos, providing accessibility to employment, education, and essential services for millions of residents. Lagos, as one of Africa's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, experiences significant pressure on its transport infrastructure due to rising population density, urban expansion, and limited mobility alternatives. Okafor (2022) reported that the rapid urban growth in Lagos has exceeded the capacity of available transport systems, resulting in chronic overcrowding across major bus terminals, commercial vehicle parks, and key transit corridors.

According to Adejumo and Oluwatosin (2021), organized public transport in Lagos began in the early 20th century with the introduction of buses and ferries to facilitate movement between key urban centers and surrounding towns. Initially, transport services were relatively limited, catering mainly to government officials, traders, and a small urban elite. As the city expanded, informal transport services, such as “danfo” minibuses and commercial motorcycles, emerged to fill gaps in accessibility and meet the mobility needs of the growing population (Okafor, 2022).

Overcrowding in public transport is not only an operational problem but also a pressing public health issue. The World Health Organization (2020) asserted that high passenger density in shared mobility environments increases exposure to respiratory infections, physical discomfort, and psychological stress. The persistent struggle for seating or standing space, long waiting times, and cramped travel conditions create an environment where disease transmission is more likely to occur. Ogunyemi and Musa (2021) stated that inadequate ventilation, close physical contact, and unhygienic surfaces in overcrowded buses and terminals heighten the risks of infectious diseases, particularly in urban areas with heavy commuter flows.

Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), as a key regulatory body, is responsible for maintaining order, safety, and efficiency in the transport sector. However, Adebayo (2023) affirmed that despite ongoing reforms, the sheer volume of daily commuters poses challenges to the enforcement of safety standards and the promotion of healthy travel conditions. Transport operators often face pressure to maximize passenger loads to meet economic targets, while commuters contend with limited transport availability during peak periods, forcing them into tightly packed vehicles. The burden of overcrowding is further intensified by infrastructural constraints such as insufficient bus fleets, limited terminal spaces, and inadequate transport planning practices (Adebayo, 2023).

Furthermore, scholars contend that the public health implications of overcrowded transport systems extend beyond disease transmission. Psychological stress, fatigue, heat exposure, and musculoskeletal strain have been linked to prolonged travel in congested environments (Okafor, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic intensified global awareness of the health risks associated with crowded mobility systems, leading to increased attention on preventive measures, ventilation improvements, and physical distancing guidelines. However, the extent to which these lessons have translated into sustained policy action in Lagos remains unclear. This study is set against the backdrop of investigate the public health risks associated with overcrowding in public transport within Lagos State, focusing on the operational framework and commuter experiences under the Lagos State Transport Management Authority.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the persistent overcrowding in public transport within Lagos State is emerging as a public health concern that affects commuters' physical, mental, and social well-being. The Lagos State Transport Management Authority is confronted with the challenge of managing mobility in a rapidly growing urban environment where transport demand is rising faster than available infrastructure. Public transport users are frequently forced into tightly packed spaces where limited ventilation, prolonged contact, and physical strain make routine travel a potential health hazard.

Furthermore, overcrowding is associated with behavioral stress, anxiety, and fatigue among commuters who rely on public transport for their daily livelihoods. Long queues, delays, disorderly boarding, and fierce competition for limited seats contribute to emotional strain that affects productivity and overall quality of life. Although several interventions exist to regulate traffic and improve mobility, insufficient enforcement, inadequate transport facilities, and limited public awareness continue to undermine their effectiveness. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the public health risks associated with overcrowding in public transport.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of this study is to examine the public health risks arising from overcrowding in public transport and propose practical strategies for enhancing commuter safety in Lagos State. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

1. To assess the level of overcrowding in public transport managed by LASTMA.
2. To identify the specific public health risks associated with overcrowded commuting conditions.
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures in controlling overcrowding.
4. To examine commuters' experiences and perceptions regarding overcrowding and health risks.
5. To propose strategies to mitigate public health risks in Lagos State's public transport system.

1.5 Research Questions

Based on the stated objectives, the following research questions guide this study on the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment:

• What is the level of overcrowding in public transport under LASTMA?
• What are the public health risks associated with overcrowded commuting conditions?
• How effective are the current regulatory measures in managing overcrowding?
• What are commuters' experiences and perceptions of overcrowding and its health implications?
• What strategies can be implemented to mitigate public health risks in Lagos State's public transport system?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant relationship between overcrowding in public transport and public health risks among commuters in Lagos State.
• H1: There is a significant relationship between overcrowding in public transport and public health risks among commuters in Lagos State.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Overcrowding in public transport does not significantly increases public health risks among commuters in Lagos State.
• H1: Overcrowding in public transport significantly increases public health risks among commuters in Lagos State.

1.7 Significance of Study

It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will support policymakers, transport authorities, and urban planners in designing and implementing interventions that promote safer, healthier commuting environments. Also, the research will inform strategies to prevent disease transmission and reduce travel-related health risks.

Furthermore, the research will increase awareness of health risks and encourage safer travel practices. In addition, the findings will help design operational strategies that prioritize passenger safety and comfort.

Lastly, the study will contribute to academic knowledge on urban transport and public health, providing a foundation for further research on sustainable mobility solutions.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of this research is focused on the public health risks of overcrowding in public transport, using Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) as a case study.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends 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).
3. Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Public Transport: A shared system of vehicles such as buses, ferries, and minibuses that provides organized mobility services to the general public (Adejumo & Oluwatosin, 2021).

Overcrowding: A situation where the number of passengers exceeds the designed capacity of the transport vehicle or facility, leading to congestion and reduced comfort (Okafor, 2022).

Public Health Risk: Any factor within the transport environment that threatens physical, mental, or social well-being, including disease transmission, fatigue, and stress (World Health Organization, 2020).

Commuter Experience: The subjective perceptions and experiences of individuals using public transport, including comfort, safety, and stress levels (Ogunyemi & Musa, 2021).