A sigh of relief swept across Lagos as the Lagos State Government implemented a 50 per cent reduction in fares on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme. This much-needed measure, which took effect on August 2nd, has brought comfort to many commuters who were grappling with the aftermath of petrol subsidy removal.
Hailing the government’s initiative, residents spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews, expressing gratitude for the reduced transportation costs. For traders like Jude Emeka, who traverses from Orile to Oko-Aafo and back daily, the fare reduction has lightened the financial burden, making his daily commute more affordable.
Similarly, Margaret Ajayi, a teacher commuting from Onipanu to Iyana Ipaja, acknowledged the relief the reduced fares have brought but called for the government to fulfill other promised palliatives. The gesture has also touched the lives of parents like Kayode Kalejaiye, who sells keys in Lagos and now has the opportunity to take his children to school from Monday to Friday with ease.
The move to lower fares has led to considerable savings for commuters. NAN reported that the fare from Lagos to Mushin, which previously cost ₦600, is now ₦300, while government buses now charge ₦250 from Ikorodu to Fadeyi, Ikeja, and Oshodi, down from the earlier ₦400. In addition to the BRT buses, commercial buses have also followed suit, reducing their fares and contributing to the overall relief experienced by the citizens.
Experts have weighed in on the situation as well. Professor Bamidele Badejo from Olabisi Onabanjo University praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s intervention, calling it a good move. However, Associate Professor Victor Dosumu of Ladoke Akintola University urged the government to also focus on refining processes to minimize the impact of subsidy removal.
While the reduction in fares has been hailed as a positive step, Dosumu emphasized the need for more government buses to serve the vast population of Lagos effectively. Despite the challenges posed by a massive population, the move to alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs has garnered widespread appreciation.
As the Lagos State Government continues its efforts to address the complexities of transportation, residents hope for a sustained commitment to reducing fares and ensuring accessibility for all.