Kehinde Fajobi
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an 18 percent fare hike for its Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) programme, set to take effect on February 17.
In a notice on Thursday, February 13, LAMATA cited the rising cost of diesel and a shortage of spare parts for the increasing number of buses out of service as key reasons for the fare adjustment.
“The fare rise is because of the increase in the cost of operations and the need to ensure that buses keep running and guarantee your movement around Lagos. We seek your understanding and cooperation,” LAMATA stated.
This move follows a series of fare increases aimed at maintaining operational viability.
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In 2020, Primero Transport Services Ltd., operator of the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), raised fares after it was forced to reduce capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In 2022, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved a ₦100 flat rate increase across all BRT and standard routes to ensure sustainability amid rising costs and inflation.