LeighFisher, UK and FAO Consulting as sub-consultant were appointed, in February 2014, by the Lagos Metropolitan Area
Transport Authority (LAMATA), to undertake the ‘Value of Time and Transport Elasticity Study for the Mega City Region’ study.  

LAMATA’s primary requirement from this study was for improved evidence on the valuation of time savings from transport investments, and other benefits, for use in economic cost-benefit analysis.  A secondary requirement was to provide improved inputs into LAMATA’s travel demand forecasting models.  The results from this study will support the appraisal and forecasting requirements of other transport planning authorities in Nigeria.  The terms of reference were based on the following objectives:

1. Calculate average values of time for travel on various modes of transport so that these values can be used to appraise transport projects in Lagos.
2. Segregate Categories into various trip purposes
3. Determine values of time for the various modes of transport above categorized by distance and location.
4. Develop values of time for employers business travel including freight transport.

Examine t the relationship between:

• GDP, population growth and traffic growth
• Fuel consumption and public transport patronage
• Fuel consumption and car use
• Travel time and public transport use
• Travel time, public transport and car use.

FAO Consulting's primary responsibilities on this study was to organise and undertake data collection and processing, provide knowledge of local transport issues and data, and arrange local support for visiting LeighFisher and Iris Consultancy consultants.  Specifically, we conducted stated preferences (SP) surveys all over the Lagos mega city area.  The SP surveys are considered to be one of the largest of its kind and the first SP survey to cover the entire megacity area which includes neighbouring Ogun state.