Gov Sanwo-Olu Approves 46% Hike In Bus Fare

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved a 46% hike in bus fare in the state.

According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Corporate Communication, at the Lagos Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, the increase which takes effect from August 1 will only affect the routes operated by the Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL).

This decision may be tough on Lagosians in view of the economic hardship caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

However, Ojelabi stated that the approval was in line with a bus fare review plea by the bus operating company  in the state.

In line with the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) updated COVID-19 protocol on the operation of public transport, sanwo-olu also approved LBSL’s request to increase the number of passengers per bus from 20 to 42.

The LBSL had earlier argued that conveying not more than 20 passengers per bus had resulted in only 14% utilisation of the buses, leading to 72% drop in revenue, while the running costs remained fairly the same.