WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an increase in fares for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. In a notice posted today, LAMATA stated that the fare adjustment—an 18% hike—will take effect next week. “Please be informed that there will be an 18% increase in bus fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes,” the notice read. According to LAMATA, the increment is necessary due to rising operational costs and to ensure the continued availability of bus services for Lagos commuters. The agency urged passengers to exercise “understanding and cooperation” amid the fare adjustment. This development follows the Lagos State Government’s decision in November 2023 to discontinue the 50% transport fare discount on BRT services, reverting to previous rates. “The 50% rebate in transport fares for the regulated transport system in Lagos ends on Sunday,” LAMATA announced at the time. “Starting Monday, November 6, 2023, transport fares will return to the pre-August 2, 2023, rates.” Recall that earlier, in July 2023, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had implemented a 25% reduction in transport fares for both state-owned and commercial buses as part of measures to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Sanwo-Olu also announced the expansion of the Lagos State Government’s staff bus fleet for public service workers, stating that the buses were ready for deployment through the Office of the Head of Service.
LAGOS: Govt increases BRT fares, cites rising operational costs
