The Lagos State Government has announced that a fleet of 65 buses will be deployed to join the others on some major routes as from today, Monday, February 3, 2020.
It directed the management of the Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) on Sunday to deploy the buses in order to ease commuters’ pain after the recent ban on motorcycle and tricycles.
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Also, no less than 550 more buses are expected besides the 14 ferries which will be commissioned on Tuesday. This will further open up the waterways, and reduce travel time on various routes. It will also provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.
In the statement, the government says that it is not unaware that enforcing this directive may lead to some job losses. The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the likely effects of the ban.
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Lagos Bus Services Limited
The MD/CEO of LBSL, Mr Idowu Oguntona stated, “extending the services of the company to these locations will help reduce the vacuum created by the restriction order of Lagos State Government on Okada and Keke operators in some areas.
This step is part of the ways of providing succor and ameliorating the hardship that the commuting public might be facing as a result of the restriction order on the operators of motorcycles and tricycles in some parts of the State.”
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He also stated some of the fares that will be charged; Ikeja – Ogba (N100); Berger – Ogba (N100); Ikeja – CMS (N200); Oshodi – Ajah (N500); Obalende – Ajah (N250); CMS – Ajah (N200) and Inner Marina – Ajah (N250). Arrangements are also perfect for the smooth operations of these buses in the seven new routes.
The company was incorporated in 2016 as a Transport Acquisition, Operations, and Advisory Services Company. The initiative is to provide a much-needed compass and guide to the operation of Bus Services in Lagos. As Lagos continue to evolve, LBSL will continue to ensure proper coordination and progress of the Transport Industry in Lagos.
Recall that entrepreneurs.ng described the effect of the ban and the way forward on the law. So, on January 27, the Government announced the ban on Okada and Keke Napep on some LGAs. Some of the LGAs are; Ikeja, Apapa, Lagos Island/Mainland and others.
Since 1st February, 2020, it has been challenging commuting in these areas. From what we gathered, many people resumed late to work this morning because of lack of a means of transportation. The available shuttle buses (plying the Napep route) doubled their prices.
This is all going to have a ripple effect, as even the local market woman will increase the price of vegetables to shoulder the impact of the price increase. Yes, the ban may be for security purposes, but the question on everyone’s lip is; shouldn’t there have been a thought through alternative before the ban?
This affects everyone; the average employee will spend double on transportation and also run the risk of arriving late to work, businesses directly and indirectly will spend more, and will find a way to pass on the additional cost on the final consumer.
The government should act fast.
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