The recent decision by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to terminate the 50 per cent transport fare reduction for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, effective from Sunday, October 5, 2023, has stirred discontent among Lagos residents.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu‘s earlier announcement in July, offering relief through a substantial reduction in transport fares, was welcomed as a palliative measure amid economic uncertainties. However, the sudden reversal has left citizens grappling with increased financial burdens, given the prevailing economic challenges.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s initial announcement on July 31 aimed to ease the financial strain on citizens facing escalated costs of goods and services due to the removal of petrol subsidies. The directive, implemented on August 2, extended the fare reduction to the informal transportation sector, encompassing the iconic yellow buses, with a concurrent 25 per cent reduction in charges.
The recent decision to terminate the fare reduction has not only surprised but also frustrated many residents who perceive it as a contradictory move, particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges. The discontent stems from the belief that this action exacerbates the financial strains on citizens, especially in the wake of recent hikes in petrol and commodity prices.
Although, following passengers’ outcry over the reversal of the 50 per cent rebate on the fares the Lagos State Government later announced the implementation of a 25 per cent discount effective Tuesday, November 7, 2023, it did little to assuage aggrieved Lagos commuters.
“If there ever is a time people need the burden of paying too much transportation to be relieved, then the time is now. Fuel prices haven’t changed, salaries haven’t been increased, the economy is still at its lowest, and things are very hard. If the government knows that they can’t maintain their ground on a policy, then they shouldn’t have embarked on it at all, and also giving 7-14 days proper notice would have made more sense,” a Lagos resident lamented.
As Lagos residents express their discontent over the abrupt end to BRT fare reductions, policymakers face the challenge of rebuilding public trust. The delicate balance required in implementing measures aimed at alleviating economic challenges necessitates transparent and sustainable solutions that genuinely address the evolving financial concerns of citizens. The government’s responsiveness and commitment to the welfare of its people will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of these recent developments.
