Ambode Approves Fares Hike for LAGBUS, BRT

Mon, Feb 13, 2017 | By publisher


Business

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GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, has approved a 20 to 50 percent fare increase for LAGBUS and other BRT operators effective from Wednesday, March 1, 2017, in view of the current economic downturn which has consequently escalated all costs related to operation of the public transport beyond any financial forecast or projection.

Speaking at a press briefing today, Monday, February 13, in Lagos, Abiodun Dabiri, managing director of LAMATA, said that the current state government was focused on a strategic reform of the public transport in order to create a world-class public transport infrastructure and support for operations that is modern, cost-effective, safe and sustainable on the long run.

Dabiri said that the state government had to consider the request of the operators for an upward review of bus fares because of the current prices on some of the schemes, which had stayed constant for more than six years for some operators.

However, in approving the fare increase, the government weighed the justification of the operators for the increase vis-a-vis the effect on commuters.

He averred that the state government recognised the current financial difficulties currently endured by Lagosians and wished to emphatically assure public transport users of the government’s commitment to protecting them from arbitrary fare increases. Nevertheless, he said the review became necessary to ensure that commuters continue to enjoy uninterrupted bus service daily.

While appealing to commuters to show understanding as the new fares take effect, the LAMATA boss gave assurance that operators would reciprocate the gesture of the government by providing services befitting Lagos as a mega city.

Dabiri also used the opportunity to advise the LAGBUS and all other operators to improve their cost efficiency and effectiveness as it would be difficult to pass the entire cost of operations to the consumers, thus mandating them to sensitise transport users through various media about the new fare regime.

— Feb 13, 2017 @ 16:00 GMT

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