Physical and commuting characteristics of selected peri-urban settlements in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Cities in Nigeria have been experiencing exceptional changes in terms of population and spatial extent. The rapid rate of these growths and the inadvertent expansion of cities have resulted in several negative consequences. This research is aimed at evaluating the physical and commuting pattern of selected peri-urban settlements. The objectives are to examine the availability of utilities, services and infrastructure; assess the physical and spatial characteristics; and appraise the commuting characteristics between the city and the peri-urban settlements. The research design adopted is the mixed research method which involves the investigation of patterns or sequences of growth and changes over a given period of time (time series), and the description of existing conditions in a given area. The results shows that the most used mode for commuting between the peripheral settlements and the city centre is the bus with (24%), while the least is the lorry/trailer with a score of (2.1%). The major factors of influence for the trips are work, with (23%), while job seeking is the least with (3.5%). The study also reveals that the peripheral areas of Kaduna metropolis suffer serious traffic congestion caused by increased number of private vehicles on inadequate road network with finite capacity, hence, the need to enforce compliance with basic development control standards, and the use of advanced technology such as trip matching and the internet for carpooling and ride sharing, thereby increasing the potential to reach the critical mass of users. Key words: Peri-urban, traffic congestion, commuting, settlements.