As part of design to bequeath a world class transportation system and enhance connectivity of people across Lagos State, the Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has ordered 820 new buses being part of 5,000 new buses take off of the Bus Reform Initiative of the government later in the year.
The buses have been arriving in batches across the recently commissioned Bus Terminals in the state, adorned in their impressive blue and white colour.
The acclaimed environmental- friendly capacity buses, are said to be equipped with modern facilities to bring about comfort and seamless travelling experience along the dedicated routes.
According to Governor Ambode, the 5,000 new buses under the BRT scheme, are expected to transform the public transport system. He stated that benefit of the scheme is remarkable as other components of the improved transport system, such as modern bus terminals, bus depots, bus stops and segregated laybys are already springing up in strategic locations across the State.
He said, “ Apart from the Intelligent Transport System mechanism of the initiative which will aid Lagosians to plan their journeys, arrangement is also being firmed up, in form of a short-term plan, for the buses to be assembled in Lagos, which would in turn create jobs for the people, and as well serve to properly maintain the buses.
The Lagos State Governor further revealed that the new buses and terminals were conceived with the intention of redefining public transportation in the State with a view to making the State globally competitive.
He said, "Like we have said in the past, this administration is doing bus terminals to actually improve on the management of transportation in the city. Some people would have noticed that we are beginning to receive some of our new buses. We have actually ordered 820 buses and we believe that by end of September, the 820 buses should be in Lagos.
"The intention is not to drive away Danfo buses (Commercial Buses). Buses in Lagos right now are never enough. Government is intending to inject 5,000 but we do not intend to operate them and so whoever is going to operate the buses would recruit drivers and personnel to work on those buses.
"So, if somebody upgrades from Danfo to bus, that is more job for our people. We, as government, are not the ones to drive the buses but what we are doing is to create avenue for people to get employed and to also create greater aesthetics for the city," Governor Ambode explained.
He however noted that if Lagos state is determined about attracting investors and tourists, there has to be globally compliant mode of transportation which necessitated the need for reforms in the transportation sector.
Governor Ambode said, "Another point is that if we say we want to be globally competitive and we want to attract investors and tourists to Lagos, we have to be globally compliant with the way we move people around.
He however noted that the reforms in the transport sector is not limited to BRT scheme, adding that the state is also introducing more facilities on the waterways, roads and our walkways to make life more comfortable for our people.
Great!
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