STRATEGY FOR EFFECTIVE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM IN ENUGU STATE (A CASE STUDY OF ENUGU STATE TRANSPORT COMPANY ENTRACO LIMITED)
ABSTRACT
This study is aimed at finding the strategy for effective mass transit system. The objective of the research work is to find out method of maintenance of buses and purchase of spare parts, to determine the effect of poor road network in the strategic planning of the organization. To find out the influence of economic cost of operation in determine the fares since its existence, to determine the loss of revenue through fraudulent practices by crews to evolve strategy to ward of the influence of politics by flect operators. Also to determine whether ENTRACO is adequately equipped with the level of passenger buses that could make her services felt by the greater percentage of people.
In view of the above objective and many more not mentioned, the researcher, in the following finds among others.
1.                 ENTRACO is inadequately equipped with the level of passenger buses that could make her services felt by the greater percentage of the people of the state.
2.                 Lack of standard and modernized workshop hampers the operations of the company. Maintenance of buses could have been easier and cheaper if such workshop is in place.
3.                 The company has no reliable time table for bus movement. The ones usually on display are for more formality. One who deports are fore more formality. One who is conscious of time need not to go for ENTRACO.
4.                 There is state government interference with the cities of the company. Government often request the use of the ENTRACO’s buses which are hardly paid for some government ideas which more often them not run counter publictive to the company are imposed on the company.
Based on these findings, the following recommendation were made: –
1.  The Enugu State government, the owners of the company should as a matter of urgency provide more passenger buses to ENTRACO to match demand with supply. The current number of buses (71 in number) falls for below the expected number that could make the company effective since the effectives of the company is measured by commuters satisfaction.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Â Â Â Â Â GENERAL BACKGROUND
Transports is an important economic activity. It is vital for the movement of goods and people. The developments of transport made have been a major impetus in economic development in the last three centuries. Imagine for a while the scale of trade that can exist between Kano and Onitsha in the absence of well developed transport means.
In considering transport, we can look at several segments of transportation. There is the infrastructural requirement. Roads are necessary for pedestrian and other land transport equipment of which the motor vehicle is the most important. Similarly, airport, rail track and water way development are important for air, rail and water transport development.
(i)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The rolling stock of the corresponding mode of transport is another component of transportation that is important. The world has come a long way from transport by foot. From horse riding and horse draw carts, to river rafts and sailing ships, steam engines, we have today well designed vehicles, supersonic aircrafts, electric trains and super taker ships.
(ii)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The economics of transport is also an aspect of transportation that is critical to overall effectiveness. Let us imagine that there is an airport at Nkalagu, what will be the economic efficiency of operating an airline regularly to the place? What level of patronage exist to sustain the airport and airline as economic proposals? This as a (product) service, there must be demand for transportation. Remember that demand is need backed by ability to pay.
(iii)            The Technology of transport is also vital. All technology exist in the market for those who have the means of payment. It is evident that those who have developed transportation technology stand apart in today’s world. Name them, U.S.A, RUSSIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, FRANCE, ITALY, KOREA, CHINA.
