1 week ago
35
As Lagos commuters brace for the implementation of an 18% increase in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fares with effect from today, Monday February 17, 2025, mixed reactions have trailed the decision by the authorities to impose the increase.
The Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) last week announced an 18 per cent bus fare increase on its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.
The BRT is a bus service scheme which operates high-floor capacity buses along the Mile 12-TBS corridor from 6am-10pm daily. It is mostly used by Lagos residents to commute on a daily basis with annual passenger traffic of 4.5 million.
SPONSOR AD
A statement issued by LAMATA last week attributed the increase to the spike in operational costs and the necessity to maintain bus services as the reason for the hike.
“Please be informed that there will be an 18 per cent increase in bus fares on all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes.
“The fare increase is because of the increase in the cost of operations and the need to ensure buses keep running and guaranteeing your movement around Lagos,” the statement said.
A cross-section of passengers who spoke with our correspondent expressed mixed reactions over the increase.
While some of them acknowledged the economic realities behind the hike, others said it is an additional burden on already struggling residents.
Ayo Dami-Faborode, a project manager and entrepreneur, believes the increase is fair given the rising cost of operations.
“I did a mental calculation on my usual route, and even with the new fare, BRT is still about 50% cheaper than danfo alternatives,” he said.
He also noted that the timing of the increase, while never ideal, was necessary. However, he suggested that the Lagos State Government should invest in more mass transit buses to drive down transportation costs in the long run.
Balogun Eniola Zainab, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, is more concerned about how the increase will affect commuters on fixed incomes.
“It’s likely to create a noticeable deduction in budgets for people who rely on BRT for their daily commutes,” she said.
While she understands that inflation is affecting transportation costs, she feels the fare hike is difficult to accept without corresponding improvements in service.
“BRT right now is not different from the public red buses. The way they cram in standing passengers is frustrating. If they were adding more buses or improving reliability, it would make the hike easier to accept.”
She also believes the government should provide subsidies or discounts for low-income commuters.
Oni Toluwani, a financial consultant in Ikorodu, expressed deep disappointment over the fare hike, calling it yet another hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
“I am not surprised, but I am sad. What else can they do to make life harder for the common man?” he asked.
He lamented that the increase would significantly impact daily expenses. “Now we spend 18% more on transportation and less on other needs,” he said.
Toluwani also questioned the essence of the BRT system, saying, “What was the main reason for BRT? What problem were they trying to solve? Will this increase still serve that purpose?”
Frustrated by the situation, he stated that he would support a protest. “Maybe we can add other issues to the movement while at it. Everything is just entirely unbearable and sad!”
For Kolawole Victor, a contract worker who resides in Epe, the news of the fare hike was met with outrage.
“Ahhhh… This is insane! It’s arrant nonsense,” he said angrily. “What’s the hope of the common man? What is the rationale behind such a hike?” His reaction reflects the frustration of many low-income commuters who feel trapped by rising costs with little relief in sight.
English (US) ·