Impact of Covid-19 on Rail Transport Operations: A Case Study of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted global transportation systems, including rail transport. This study examines the effects of the pandemic on the operational performance of the Abuja-Kaduna train service in Nigeria, focusing on revenue, passenger patronage, and operational costs from 2016 to 2022. Using secondary data from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the study reveals a significant decline in revenue and passenger numbers in 2020, followed by a recovery in 2021. The findings highlight the vulnerability of rail transport systems to global crises and provide insights into strategies for building resilience in public transportation systems.

Keywords: Transportation, Rail Operation, Covid-19, Passenger patronage