ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COMMUTERS AND DRIVERS’ PERCEPTION OF MINIBUS (KOROPE) AS A MEANS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN OSOGBO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

The Osogbo metropolitan has seen several transportation-related problems due to its dense population, limited road space, land-use characteristics, absence of mass transit, poorly executed development plans, and encroachments on private property. The specific objectives are to identify the socioeconomic characteristics of the participants in Osogbo, Osun state; investigate commuters' and drivers' perceptions of Korope transport services in Osogbo, Nigeria; and evaluate the function of Korope transport services in the study area concerning public transportation. Data was gathered using a structured survey design questionnaire. The purposive sampling method was employed. In Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria, commuters, passengers, and Korope transport operators and owners make up the study's population. However, 1,500 of those commuters, passengers, and Korope transport operators reside in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria. The study's sample frame consists of passengers in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria, as well as Korope transport providers and owners. A sample of 177 respondents was chosen at random. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. The findings show that the F test yields asymptotic significance values of 0.000 (less than p value of 0.05) and 54.534 (more than the tabulated f-value of 2.32). Consequently, the null hypothesis is disproved and the alternative is approved. There is evidence to support the effects of connectivity, affordability, dependability, accessibility, and ease of use on intraurban mobility in Osogbo. Korope, or minibuses, are a crucial component of Osogbo, Osun State's public transportation network. Despite their increased security and overall quality, minibuses as a mode of transportation nevertheless have several obvious drawbacks. However, the report recommended that stricter safety regulations be implemented and upheld for minibuses. Frequent car inspections, driver education programs, strict adherence to speed limits and other traffic rules should all be part of these laws.