INTEGRATING INFORMAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS INTO URBAN PLANNING: A CASE STUDY OF CALABAR METROPOLIS.

The integration of informal transportation systems into urban planning has become a critical concern for cities, particularly in developing regions where these systems play a significant role in mobility. This study investigates the setup, administration, and operation of Informal transport services in Calabar, it also evaluates the state of urban planning in Calabar, and proposes strategies for integrating informal transport systems into formal urban frameworks. Data was collected through structured interviews with informal transport operators, users, policy makers, urban Planners, and transportation experts. Findings revealed that while informal transport in Calabar is regulated by multiple agencies, informal systems like shared taxis, minibuses, and tricycles face challenges in route management, infrastructure, and compliance with regulations. The urban planning process is hindered by inadequate funding, outdated master plans, and poor road infrastructure. Based on these insights, recommendations include assigning routes to operators during registration, lowering the cost of daily tickets for operators, establishing park and ride system which will reduce congestion, introducing AI based technology to regulate traffic signals, introducing CCTV cameras along major routes to monitor informal transport operators, strengthening the enforcement of traffic laws, increasing government funding to improve transportation infrastructure, and educating stakeholders on the importance of integrating informal systems into urban planning. These strategies aim to enhance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and foster a more efficient and reliable transport network in Calabar.