By Temitope Aina
Some users of the Bus Rapid Transit have lamented the shortage of buses and the long queues they experience daily while pleading with the government to provide more buses.
Some commuters who spoke with PUNCH Metro on Monday claimed that the majority of Lagos State commuters use the Bus Rapid Transit as a result of the increase in the cost of transport in the state.
They also claimed that the cost of BRT transit was lower than those of the commercial buses, noting that the lengthy queues appeared never-ending because of the strong demand.
PUNCH Metro had reported that LAMATA, in a statement, announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the implementation of 25 per cent discount beginning Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Following appeals to the governor, he extended the passenger fare reduction by 25% across the regulated bus and rail transport services until another review was announced.
A commuter, Saheed, in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Monday, urged the government to provide more BRT in the state adding that the commercial buses in the state made it difficult due to the rise in the transport fares.
He said, “The Lagos State Government has actually tried for us in this state but they can do better. A lot of people now use the BRT buses in Lagos. We all know what is going on concerning the increase in the price of fuel and transport and all these yellow buses do not make it easier. A lot of us now know the value of the BRT but the queue sometimes is unbearable especially when the sun is hot and during rainy seasons.”
Another commuter identified as Tobi Ayeni said commercial drivers would be compelled to lower the cost of their transport fare if the state had enough BRT.
“If we have enough BRT buses, I strongly believe all these yellow buses will adjust because they will begin to lose customers and they will have no other option to at least reduce the cost of their fare that will be slightly comfortable for their passengers.
“We are all feeling the heat in the country right now but one thing I will beg the government to do is to please help us with enough buses going to Obalende, CMS and Oyingbo. All those places are actually quite far and a lot of people go there because they are market areas.” Tobi said.
When contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Wale Musa, told our correspondent to text him. However, he was not able to respond to calls and texts sent to his mobile phone as of the time of filing this report. (Punch)
