In my previous articles on my thoughts based on observation and interactions on the street, I wrote on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the educational system and how it seems to be broadening the already existing inequality. I also raised the question of whether the people understand information on preventive measures and the importance of involving behaviour change experts in the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19.
Today I will like to share on the effect of this pandemic on the transportation system with special focus on tricycle riders. You will remember that earlier in the year the Lagos State Government placed a ban on bikes (okada) and tricycle riders (keke) from major roads in the State. These transporters continued to ply inner streets within the city after the ban.
So I had a short discussion with some keke riders at the spot they wait to get passengers. I wanted to know how they were coping with the lockdown and social distancing as they provide their service. This is the feedback I got from my interaction with keke riders:
- They are adhering to the guidelines published by the government on social distancing by carrying 60% capacity in their tricycles. As a result, they only take on two passengers.
- This has resulted in an increase in the fare from N100 to N150
- The keke riders were not happy about how this has affected their income. When they carried four passengers, they made N400 per trip, but now they make N300 per trip. They also say the restriction in movement has also reduced traffic of passengers; so they spend more time waiting to get passengers
- They do not have facilities for passengers to wash their hands before boarding neither do they have hand sanitizers
- It is not compulsory for passengers to wear a face mask before boarding the keke
Although I wish they had provision for handwashing or hand sanitizers, I am quite happy they complied to social distancing by reducing the carrying capacity of their tricycles.
My observation was that public buses did not adhere to any of the guidelines provided by government; they still carried full capacity and had no provision for handwashing or hand sanitizers. Some passengers, drivers and bus conductors were seen wearing a face masks or had it hanging on their chins.
We can all hope that a solution to this virus is found soon, and then hopefully some of the economic effects will be eased off slowly. For now, we have no option but to adhere to preventive measures outlined by the experts.
