The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given his approval for a 25 percent discount to be applied to regulated bus and rail transportation within the state.
This decision comes after the expiration of the previous 50 percent rebate, which was initially introduced by Sanwo-Olu when President Bola Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy.
On the 2nd of August, 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu had announced a 50 percent fare discount for regulated bus and rail transportation, which came to an end on the following Sunday. However, on the subsequent Monday, the fares for services like BRT suddenly increased, indicating the removal of the 50 percent rebate.
In response to calls for the reinstatement of the 50 percent fare reduction, Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the implementation of a 25 percent discount, effective from Tuesday, 7th November 2023.
According to a statement issued by Kolawola Ojelabi, the Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Area Metropolitan Authority (LAMATA), the decision to extend the passenger fare reduction by 25 percent for regulated bus and rail transport services is in consideration of appeals from the public. This reduced fare will continue until further review is announced.
Ojelabi also pointed out that within the three-month period of the previous rebate, the price of diesel had increased from N867 in August to N1,300 in November 2023, representing a nearly 50 percent rise.
