Fare hike: Passengers flood BRT to cut cost

Edith Igbokwe

Due to the hike in transport fares across the state, passengers have started storming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal in Oshodi to enjoy cheaper transport fares.

As part of measures to curtail widespread coronavirus during the lockdown ease, the Lagos State Government has directed all commercial vehicles to reduce their carriage capacity to 60 percent.

In response, most commercial vehicles hiked the cost per passenger to cover their overheads.

However, despite the order, the BRT operators have maintained the initial fares, making passengers patronage increase.

While BRT charges N300 from Oshodi to Ikorodu, Obalende – N200, Berger – N200 and Lekki Ajah – N500 Yellow buses charge N400 to Ikorodu, N400 to Obalende, N400 to Berger and N700 to Lekki Ajah.

Despite the crowd, the BRT management does not undermine the social distancing order as security personnel on board maintain space between the passengers to achieve social distancing while on queue.

At the terminal, other transportation guidelines are strictly adhered to such as provision for hand washing, sanitisers and thermometer while social distancing is maintained by the passengers on board. The BRT also adheres to the timing as it operates between 6am and 5:30pm.