Long queues marked the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminuses in Lagos State following a reduction in transport fares aimed at easing the burden on residents. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced a 25% fare discount on BRT and other state-owned transport services during a live media chat.
Reports from various BRT terminuses such as Ayobo, Oshodi, Mile 2, Okokomaiko, Costain, and Ikorodu indicated numerous commuters lining up to board buses. Some passengers opted to stand inside buses rather than wait for seats due to the extensive queues.
Vivian Mgbemena, a civil servant, shared her experience at the Oshodi terminus, expressing gratitude for the reduced fare from N600 to N450 on her route from Ayobo to Oshodi. Similarly, Ngozi Ejiofor commended the fare cut but suggested further reductions and increased bus availability on her Okokomaiko to Mile 2 route where the fare stands at N300.
Kunle Olowopoju, a businessman at Costain Bus Stop, appreciated the fare adjustment but emphasized the need for additional reductions given the prevailing economic challenges. Benjamin Anibogu, an automobile parts trader, lauded the reduced fare on his trip from Oshodi to JokeAyo but called for more government interventions to alleviate the financial strains faced by Lagos residents amidst rising commodity prices.
The queues at BRT terminuses serve as a reflection of the positive impact of fare reductions on commuters, prompting calls for further interventions to enhance accessibility and affordability of public transportation in Lagos.
