Water transportation has been a means to reduce traffic congestion on the roads. This paper examined the socio economic characteristics and operation of the ferry service. Primary data were obtained using structured questionnaires. Also used are secondary sources of data to obtain maps. A total of 149 questionnaires were randomly distributed to ferry passengers using an accidental sampling method within the four jetties in the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. It has been revealed that the majority of ferry passengers are married male between the ages of 28 to 38 years with the income range of N30,000 - N59,000. Majority of the passengers have been using ferry water transportation between 1- 5years. Passengers of up to 30.0% in all the jetties noted that the available boats are safe, more convenient and reliable. Problems and challenges include inadequate boats, water hyacinth and accidents. The findings show that passengers make use of the ferry water transport because it is faster and it saves time. It is therefore recommended that the government should assist in the improvement of ferry service operation for sustainable means of transportation to encourage its usage by more people and reduce traffic congestion on the road.

Keywords : Ferry, Jetties, passengers, water transportation