Evaluation of Ride-Hailing Services and Their Impact on Urban Transport in Lagos Island

Ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and inDrive have rapidly transformed urban mobility in major Nigerian cities, offering technology-driven alternatives to traditional commercial transport services. This study evaluates the operational characteristics and impact of ride-hailing services on urban transport dynamics in Lagos Island, one of Nigeria's most congested commercial districts. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 180 ride-hailing users, 70 ride-hailing drivers, and 30 traditional taxi operators through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The study examines service quality, pricing dynamics, driver welfare, modal substitution effects, and regulatory compliance. Findings indicate that ride-hailing services are rated significantly higher than traditional taxis on safety, comfort, and reliability, with over 75 percent of users having substantially reduced their use of commercial buses and taxis since adoption. However, driver income instability due to platform commission structures and rising fuel costs is identified as a major challenge, with many drivers working over 12 hours daily to meet income targets. Surge pricing during peak hours and events is a source of user dissatisfaction. The study recommends the formalisation of ride-hailing regulation under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, the introduction of a driver welfare fund mechanism, and transparent pricing standards. These findings are relevant for digital transport governance and platform economy regulation in South West Nigeria. Keywords: ride-hailing, urban transport, Lagos, platform transport, digital mobility.