Evaluation of Intercity Bus Transport Services Between Kaduna and Abuja Along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway

Intercity bus transport services form a critical link between major Nigerian cities, and the quality of such services directly affects the productivity and welfare of millions of daily travellers. This study evaluates the quality of intercity bus transport services operating along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, one of the busiest road corridors in the North West and North Central zones. A descriptive survey was conducted with 170 travellers and 40 transport operators at Kaduna Central Motor Park and the Utako Terminal in Abuja, using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Service quality dimensions assessed include scheduling reliability, seating comfort, vehicle condition, driver behaviour, and fare affordability. Findings indicate widespread dissatisfaction with scheduling reliability, with over 55 percent of respondents reporting frequent departure delays exceeding one hour. Vehicle conditions are described as fair to poor by a majority of passengers, and driver fatigue is identified as a significant safety concern given the frequency of night travel. The research recommends the establishment of a minimum service standard framework for intercity bus operators, compulsory installation of driver fatigue monitoring devices, and a regulatory review of ticketing and fare-setting practices. These findings are relevant for the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and state transport agencies seeking to improve intercity mobility in northern Nigeria. Keywords: intercity transport, bus services, Kaduna-Abuja corridor, service quality, road transport.