Implementation Of Origin-Destination Cost Matrix Intelligent Transport System For Port Harcourt Metropolitan City Of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The recent increase in the cost of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as fuel in Nigeria has necessitated rapid cost of transportation of goods and services hence, resulting to economic hardship on the populace. Obviously, there is need for a careful analysis of destination of travel and the associated cost, as measure of survivor in face of the economic hardship. The research focused on the implementation of Origin-Destination Cost Matrix for purposes of intelligent and cost effective transportation in the Metropolitan City of Port Harcourt. The methodology involves the acquisition of the map of the study area and relevant road network data. Overlay operation was done on the data using ArcGIS 10.5 and the network data prepared. This was achieved through; the acquisition of road network, waterway network and social facilities; conversion of the data into compactable format; calculation of impedance attributes; definition of assigned attributes, as well as verification and refinement of the network. The study stimulated a case of a courier service at a given destination designated to deliver parcels to six different locations. The Origin-Destination (OD) cost matrix analysis revealed the shortest distances of 4.15km, 7.71km, 8.22km, 10.17km, 11.37km, and 22.10km to the six different locations, making a total distance of 63.72km. This information is significant as it can help the courier service to plan and optimize their delivery routes, reducing travel time, increase efficiency, improves service delivery and customer satisfaction, reduces fuel consumption, and saves cost. The study further re-iterates the importance of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) service delivery, and cost reduction.

Keywords: Origin-Destination Cost Matrix, Intelligent Transport System, Network Analysis.