The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BRT

  • ‘Local assembly of BRT buses may begin Sept’

    ‘Local assembly of BRT buses may begin Sept’

    Local assembly of Yutong buses may begin in September, Mr. Fola Tinubu  Managing Director of Blue Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) franchise operator – Primero Transit Service Limited, has said.

    Yutong buses, which are manufactured in China, are being used by the BRT operator on the Ikorodu-CMS route. Tinubu said his company was targeting the West African market with the vehicles.

    He, however, did not state whether the company would be able to assemble the Euro 4 buses, which use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), as obtained around the world.

    Speaking while conducting Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders  round the company’s facility at Majidun-Ikorodu, Tinubu said the company would begin initial assembly at the Leyland Manufacturing plant in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    He said the plan is to take-off at Ibadan in September, while the company hastens  work on its own plant which would be in Badagry, Lagos State. He said full operation would begin at the company’s assembly plant in the last quarter of 2019.

    “Though our plan is to establish an assembly plant around Badagry, but since this will take a fairly longer time and we are committed to beginning assembly this year, we will commence from the Leyland Motors premises at Ibadan, from where we would be assembling the buses pending when we would be able to roll out from our facility,” Tinubu said.

    Besides,  Tinubu said the company would by third quarter of this year introduce e-ticket on all its routes to reduce.

  • Teenager charged with stabbing BRT driver

    A 19-year-old man, Mathew Obong, who allegedly attacked and stabbed a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver with knife with others still at large at Oshodi, was yesterday brought before a magistrates’ court in Lagos.

    Obong, a resident of Ajanayo Street, Oniwaya, Lagos, is being tried for breach of peace, assault, grievous harm and conspiracy at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    According to the prosecuting Sergeant, Emmaunel Ajayi, the accused committed the offences on February 22 at Cappa Junction near Oshodi, Lagos.

    He said the accused with others still at large conspired and assaulted the BRT driver, Mr Stanley Kalu when he came out of his vehicle to urinate.

    “The accused stabbed the complainant with a knife all over his body,” he said.

    Ajayi said the complainant, who was driving from Oshodi towards Mushin, made a U-turn at Cappa Junction and came down from the vehicle to urinate.

    “After the complainant had off-load his passengers, he made a U-turn and parked to urinate.

    “The accused attacked him claiming that he beamed the headlight of the bus on them.

    “The accused removed a knife from his pocket and started stabbing him.

    “He and his accomplices ran away when blood was gushing out of the complainant’s body.

    “But when the police stormed the scene, only the accused was arrested,” he told the court.

    Ajayi said after beating and stabbing the complainant, the accused took his N13, 500 from his pocket.

    The offence contravened Sections 166, 171, 243 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Section 243 prescribes a maximum seven years jail term for offenders.

    The accused pleaded innocence of the offence and was granted N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    Magistrate F. A. Azeez adjourned the case till March 21.

     

  • Teenager stabs BRT driver with knife

    A 19-year-old unemployed man, Mathew Obong, who allegedly attacked and stabbed a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver with knife with others still at large at Oshodi, was on Thursday brought before a magistrates’ court in Lagos.

    Obong, a resident of Ajanayo Street, Oniwaya, Lagos, is being tried for breach of peace, assault, grievous harm and conspiracy at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Emmaunel Ajayi, the accused committed the offences on Feb. 22 at Cappa Junction near Oshodi, Lagos.

    He said the accused with others still at large conspired and assaulted the BRT driver, Mr Stanley Kalu when he came out of his vehicle to urinate.

    “The accused stabbed the complainant with a knife all over his body,” he said.

    Ajayi said the complainant, who was driving from Oshodi towards Mushin, made a U-turn at Cappa Junction and came down from the vehicle to urinate.

    “After the complainant had off-load his passengers, he made a U-turn and parked to urinate.

    “The accused attacked him claiming that he beamed the headlight of the bus on them.

    “The accused removed a knife from his pocket and started stabbing him.

    “He and his accomplices ran away when blood was gushing out of the complainant’s body.

    “But when the police stormed the scene, only the accused was arrested,” he told the court.

    Ajayi said after beating and stabbing the complainant, the accused took his N13, 500 from his pocket.

    The offences contravened Sections 166, 171, 243 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Section 243 prescribes a maximum seven years jail term for offenders.

    The accused pleaded innocence of the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    The Magistrate, Mrs F. A. Azeez adjourned the case to March 21 for mention. (NAN)

  • Increase in BRT fares will impoverish us – Lagos residents

    Increase in BRT fares will impoverish us – Lagos residents

    Some residents of Ikorodu on Wednesday complained that the reviewed transport fares of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) would further impoverish the citizens of Lagos State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The residents told NAN that the increase in fares was untimely, considering the prevailing economic situation in the country.

    They appealed to the Lagos State Government to review the transport fares of the various routes to ease the discomfort being experienced by commuters.

    NAN further reports that transport fares from Ikorodu to TBS was increased from N200 to N300; Ikorodu to Fadeyi increased from N120 to N200; while Ikorodu to Mile 12 increased from N75 to N100.

    A trader, Mrs Adeola Adebiyi, complained that the increase in fares was astronomical.

    She said that the increase would not serve the interest of the common man.

    “We actually expect the government to be humane in the reviewed price considering that the masses are presently facing a lot of challenges, ranging from increase in prices of food, electricity, house rent and school fees.

    “The burden upon us is much. We can barely make ends meet because sales at the market had been low since the beginning of the year, due to low purchasing power of customers.

    “We are living from ‘hand to mouth,’ government should help us.

    “We understand the concerns of the bus operators pertaining to increase in cost of diesel and maintenance of the buses.

    “We appeal that Ikorodu to TBS route be reviewed to N250 instead of N300,” she said.

    A civil servant, Mr Kunle Aderogba, advised that transport fare should be subsidised by the government to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens.

    “The transport fare of BRT bus is a solace to many low income earners but now that has changed with the reviewed transport fares.

    “For years, government has not reviewed the salaries of workers and it has taken a toll on our lifestyle as we have adjusted to our meagre income.

    “We urge the government to consider the societal impact of the reviewed fares on the masses and emulate former Gov. Babatunde Fashola, who only reviewed BRT fares upward by N20,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Ambode okays fare hike for BRT, LAGBUS

    Ambode okays fare hike for BRT, LAGBUS

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved an increase in fares for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), LAGBUS and franchise buses from March 1.
    Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abiodun Dabiri, told reporters yesterday at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, in Alausa, Ikeja that fares were raised from 20 to 50 percent.
    A ride on BRT from Ikorodu to CMS which used to cost N195 is now N300, representing over 65 percent increase; a trip from Ikorodu to Mile 12 is now N100 from N75.
    Ikotun to Iyana Ipaja went up to N100 from N50; Ikotun to Ikeja/Maryland, N200 from N100; Igando to Maryland/Ikeja, N150 from N100 and Dopemu to Ikeja/Maryland, N200 from N50, among others.
    He said the economic downturn, had taken a toll on public transport, with related costs escalating beyond any financial forecast.
    The government, he said, was focused on a strategic reform of the sector to create a world class public transport infrastructure.
    The licensing of private sector operators to provide affordable and safe operations was part of the ongoing process, Dabiri added.
    “The current financial crunch, however, has seen average cost of operations increase to up to about 110 percent. With cost of fuelling going up by 71 percent, oil prices up by 64 percent, tyre costs up to 90 percent, continued operations is thereby threatened.
    “In view of this, and with government responsibility to avert a collapse of the franchise scheme which currently serves over 500,000 commuters daily, the Lagos State Government had to consider the request of the operators for an upward review of bus fares. It is important to note that current prices on some of these schemes have stayed constant for more than six years for some operators,” he said.
    “The operators have been advised to improve their cost efficiency and effectiveness as it would be difficult to pass the entire cost of operations to the consumers bearing in mind that a lot of the users are now in low income bracket,” he said.

  • Ambode approves fare increase for BRT, LAGBUS

    … New prices take effect March 1

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved fare increase for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), LAGBUS and franchise buses with effect from March 1

    LAMATA Managing Director, Engr. Abiodun Dabiri, who addressed journalists at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, on Monday, said the fare has increased from 20 to 50 percent.

    Dabiri  said with the new development a ride on BRT from Ikorodu to CMS which used to cost N195 is now N300, representing over 65 percent increase, while a trip from Ikorodu to Mile 12, which used to cost N75, has moved to N100, among others.

    “As a result of the economic downturn, public transport had been severely impacted as all related costs had escalated beyond any financial forecast or projection. The current government was focused on a strategic reform of the public transport operations in order to create world class public transport infrastructure and support for operations that is modern, cost effective, safe and sustainable on the long run,” Dabiri said.

    He said the licensing of private sector operators to provide affordable and safe operations was part of this ongoing process.

    The LAMATA boss added: “The current financial crunch, however, has seen average cost of operations increase to up to about 110 percent. With cost of fueling going up by 71 percent, oil prices up by 64 percent, tyre costs up to 90 percent, continued operations is thereby threatened.

    “In view of this, and with government responsibility to avert a collapse of the franchise scheme which currently serves over 500,000 commuters daily, the Lagos State Government had to consider the request of the operators for an upward review of bus fares. It is important to note that current prices on some of these schemes have stayed constant for more than six years for some operators.”

     

  • BRT operator to increase fares in February

    BRT operator to increase fares in February

    An operator of the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, Primero Transport Services, has announced plans to increase its fares on all routes in February.

    The company’s Managing Director, Mr Fola Tinubu, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikorodu on Thursday.

    Tinubu said that the increase was as result of its increasing operational cost.

    The company has maintained a fare of N75, N120, and N195 from Ikorodu to Mile 12, Fadeyi, and CMS, respectively, since it started operations in November 2015.

    According to him, the company will introduce new fares which will take effect between the end of February and early March.

    Tinubu said: “we are going to increase our price because of the situation in the country, our cost has just gone through the roof.

    “At this time last year, we bought 1.2 million litres of diesel monthly at N120 per litre, we are now buying at N260; tyres that cost N70,000 each now go for N140,000.

    “All the parts used for the buses are imported so they’ve all doubled or tripled in price; and we have no choice but to continue to buy them.

    “So, in doing that we have to find a way to make it work because you all know that the buses were bought in China; so, we have a foreign dollar component in our debt portfolio.

    “When we bought the buses it was N168 to a US dollar and now we are talking of N470 and we still have to pay the dollar component back.

    “So, our debt has increased and our cost of operation has gone through the roof, and we have managed to keep the pricing same for now.

    “In fact, right now, we are subsidising every person we carry, and if you are running a business, you can only do that for so long.’’

    He said though the company was aware of its social responsibility, but the increase in fares was inevitable if its bus services were to be kept on a sustainable footing.

    “The airlines have increased their between 200 per cent and 300 per cent but we will not even do 100 per cent.

    “So, it is going to be something manageable for people. I will try not to put a figure to that now because the governor still has to approve it, and I don’t want to preempt him.

    “What I can say is that it’s going to be a marginal increase and not a drastic increase and still less than what the commercial bus operators are charging right now.

    “We are not even going to be close to that; but there is no other solution to it because if we do not, it is going to be recipe for disaster down the road,’’ Tinubu, said.

    NAN reports that operators of the yellow-painted commercial bus currently charge N150, N200, and N350 from Ikorodu to Mile 12, Fadeyi, and CMS, respectively.

    On the issue of delays caused during drivers changeover, Tinubu said the company had introduced the Early Riser System to check the menace.

    “We send a total of 75 buses out at 4.30 so that when majority of the busmen are changing over the early risers are still on the wheels.

    “As time goes on, we may increase to 100 buses so that that way it would completely eliminate 1.30 p.m – 2.30 p.m delay issue.

  • Drama as BRT passengers, LASTMA official exchange words

    Drama as BRT passengers, LASTMA official exchange words

  • Love found on BRT

    Love found on BRT

    A management consultant with KPMG, former Miss Damilola Feyisayo Ekundayo, has tied the nuptial knot with her beau, an accountant with Guaranty Trust Bank, Oluwaseun Korede Bashua, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Graceland Parish, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI witnessed the event.

    ONe morning in September 2009, a Youth Corps member, Damilola Ekundayo, was  on board a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service enroute her place of primary assignment at the then African Petroleum (AP), now Forte Oil, on Lagos Island.

    She met Oluwaseun Bashua, who was not shy enough to ask her for her name. Of course, the well mannered Damilola treated him with courtesy, they discussed and exchanged phone numbers.

    From then on, the two struck a friendship and began what would later become a journey of a lifetime.

    Damilola and Oluwaseun exchanged marital vows before a large congregation at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Graceland Parish, Ojodu, Berger, on the outskirts of Lagos.

    While Damilola, an Economics graduate of Babcock University, is a management consultant with KPMG, Oluwaseun, also a graduate of Economics, is an accountant with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

    Damilola told The Nation how she met her beau. “He greeted me and I thought he was a stranger, so I didn’t answer him, even though he looked quite young.

    “He walked up to me, tapped my shoulder and introduced himself.  I saw some nervousness on his face when he asked for my phone number. I felt pity that I would turn him down after he had summoned all the courage to meet me. I decided to give him my number, but alas he neither had his phone or a pen with him. So, I hurriedly called out the number, assuming he would not get it right because I didn’t really want to give him. He called me later and we agreed to be friends, but usually talked once in a long time.

    ‘’I was off to the United Kingdom for my Masters’ programme in January 2011. For those two years, he was always calling and asking me to marry him. I kept declining because I was committed to someone.

    ‘’In 2013, I came back. Then I had broken up with the other guy and Seun was there for me. So, he asked to be my boyfriend in August 2013. I agreed and we began dating. On November 20, last year, he proposed.”

    She described Oluwaseun as dependable, godly, considerate, loving and hardworking.

    Nevertheless, the bride said she would miss her father.  “Everything is new. I can’t do things at my own pace as I used,” she said about her new status.

    The bride’s father, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, was full of joy, admitting that he had some low moments with the absence of his wife.

    He described his daughter as the mother hen, who stepped into the shoes of her mother, his late wife. He was also happy that his daughter had finally fulfilled her mother’s dreams.

    According to him, he and his three other children  would never be the same again with Damilola leaving them to join her husband.

    Ekundayo advised the couple to work as a team and make the best of their marriage, adding that the success of any marriage lies in the collaboration of both parties.

  • BRT accident scene in Lagos

    A vehicle of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) scheme was on Friday involved in an accident after it skidded off the Owode-Elede road in Ikorodu.

    The cause of the accident of the vehicle, with identification number 405 under the new BRT scheme, remains unknown as at press time.

    So too, no injury was reported.

    pic-4-accident-scene-on-owode-elede-road-in-ikorodu
    Photo by NAN