The Lagos State Government has promised to provide alternative means of transportation for Lagosians in certain areas of the City. The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the management of Lagos Bus Services Limited, Lagbus, to deploy a fleet of 65 buses along major routes from Monday, February 3, 2020. Mr Idowu Oguntona who is the Managing Director of Lagbus disclosed this, at the weekend.
The State Government also applauded ‘keke’ and ‘okada’ riders for complying with their restriction from six Local Government Areas, majorly highways and bridges. The imposition by the State Security Council started on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Mr Oguntona said the need to provide more buses became necessary in order to cushion the hardship commuters might face as a result of the restriction order on the operators of Okada,” and tricycles, called “Keke NAPEP” in some parts of the City.
The ban has been widely condemned by residents as the State Government made no alternative provisions for commuters, leaving many trekking and struggling to find means of reaching their destinations. Lagos State Government said the ban, which is being enforced in 15 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across the state, became necessary due to the casualty figures resulting from their operations.
In a statement released on the official twitter page of Lagos State Government on Sunday evening, the Government said the level of compliance was over 90 per cent. “In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable,” it said.
According to the statement, “the high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become – a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people.
“The little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last as alternatives are being rolled out.”
Mr Oguntona also gave out new routes where the Lagos Bus Service Limited will extend its services from tomorrow and the specified transport fares are:
1. Ikeja – Ogba: N100
2. Berger – Ogba: N100
3. Ikeja – CMS: N200
4. Oshodi – Ajah: N500
5. Obalende – Ajah: N250
6. CMS – Ajah: N250
7. Inner Marina – Ajah: N250
Mr Oguntona also stated that, “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. ” He also insisted that commuters will enjoy the pleasure and comfort of riding in the new buses along the routes and more buses would be deployed by the company shortly.