New fare approved for BRT, LAGBUS in Lagos
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on Monday announced new fare price for the three operators under the public transport scheme of the state government.
By this development, thousands of commuters who use the BRT (Blue Bus) and LAGBUS (Red Bus) daily in order to beat the gridlock in the city will now have to pay more.
The Managing Director of LAMATA, Engineer Abiodun Dabiri who disclosed this at a press briefing in Alausa, said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode approved the new increment which will take effect from March 1, 2017.
Dabiri explained that the current financial crunch which has shut up the cost of operations by 110% necessitated the increment.
According to him, the average increment approved range from 20% to 50%, adding that the state government weighed the justification of the operators for the increase.
“The government recognizes the current financial difficulties currently endured by Lagosians and wishes to emphatically assure public transport users on the commitment of government that they will always be protected from arbitrary increases.
However this review has become necessary in order to ensure that commuters continue to enjoy uninterrupted bus service as they go about their daily businesses,” Dabiri said.
He appeal to the commuters to show understanding when the new fare takes effect, adding that the operators will hopefully reciprocate the gesture of the government by providing services befitting Lagos as a mega city.
Under the price regime, the BRT (Blue bus), operated by Primero Transport Services, have increase fare from N75 to N100 for Ikorodu-Mile 12 route, Ikorodu to Fadeyi is now N200 from 120 while Ikorodu to CMS is now N300 from 195.
The various franchise under the LAGBUS (red bus) have also increased fare for the 60 routes they are plying across the state.
