In a bid to improve the commuting experience in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, has called for the collaboration of public transport bus operators.
Giwa made this appeal during a meeting held on Thursday in Lagos, which included the Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, and bus operators discussing the Bus Reform Initiative programme.
The initiative aligns with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for Lagos State and aims to restructure the current public transport system. Giwa highlighted the chaotic nature of existing bus operations, emphasising the urgent need for regulation and integration of the informal transport sector into the state’s Bus Reform Initiative.
A pilot test on the Lekki-Epe corridor, inspected by the Ministry of Transportation, identified several limitations hindering seamless traffic flow along the motorway and adjoining roads. Giwa outlined that systematic frameworks to address these challenges have been mapped out.
These include deploying high-capacity buses on the corridor, as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network.
Additionally, the initiative will see mini buses registered and re-allocated to inner routes, as well as the introduction of an e-ticketing system. Giwa urged transport operators to register with the Ministry of Transportation within two weeks, noting that registered operators will be allotted specific routes.
Giwa also warned that any operator violating the new regulations would face fines and potential forfeiture of their vehicles if they ignored the fines.
This reform is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to create a more efficient and organised public transport system, ultimately enhancing the commuting experience for residents.
