As part of the efforts geared toward transforming Lagos into Africa’s model megacity that is safe, secure and functional by the Ambode-led Administration, the State Government has reiterated its commitment to re-energizing transportation with the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), a programme that targets the introduction of medium and high capacity buses.

Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi who stated this in a chat with newsmen said the gesture was designed to strengthen the transport sector through the provision of 5000 medium and high capacity buses over a 3-year period.

Prince Elegushi stated that the carrying capacity of the buses to be introduced will range from 30 – 70 people, adding that of the 5,000 proposed buses, 3600 will be high capacity while the balance of 1400 will be the medium capacity buses.

He also informed that the scheme will be supported by a franchise system involving stakeholders or groups who will participate by taking up the bus franchise in multiples of 50, 100 and 200 buses.

Elegushi reiterated that the initiative is not aimed at banning yellow buses but rather a re-fleet scheme aimed at providing medium and high capacity buses that are able to carry larger numbers of passengers at a go.

He, therefore, enjoined motorists and commuters to appreciate and support the government’s gesture as parts of efforts to improve the transportation sector.

Similarly, the Acting Commissioner revealed that the State government has placed orders for six world class ferries to boost water transportation and develop tourism potentials of the State.

He also expressed the administration’s readiness to harness the potentials inherent on waterways in the State to promote water transportation and leisure.

According to him, “This gesture was designed to re-address the less than two percent contribution of water transportation to public transportation mode in the State so as to boost its operation.”

“This is in addition to engaging with stakeholders like the National Inland Waterways Authority and the operators so as to create a platform of service engagement on safety, operational issues and legal framework with a view to enhance safety on the water for the operators, passengers and other stakeholders in the sector”, Elegushi declared.

The Commissioner also emphasised the need for good management of the State-owned terminals, which are now being concessioned, in order to ensure that they are effectively managed, just as the State Ferry Services Company is being redesigned to position it for more effective and efficient service delivery.

 

Source: Lagosstate.gov.ng

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