There is madness all around me. The sun is high and heat is sweltering. There is traffic, street hawkers, hustlers and everything about the atmosphere is quite hectic. This is Lagos. And this is a very usual week-day occurrence in many parts of the metropolis. And as true-born Lagosian, the chaos is familiar. But I am not complaining as I am seated, tucked comfortably on the Obalende-bound bus. How can I complain? Of course, I am engrossed in the novel I am reading. But I’m sure it’s because I am not in just any bus. I am seated on one of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses that have become ubiquitous to the discerning Lagosian. I only notice the bustle in darting glances outside my object of focus. Bus rides in Lagos was not always an enjoyable experience.
Hitherto known for its mostly dilapidating yellow and black striped Molue buses, public bus transportation in Lagos has paved way for comfort and modernity in transporting residents within the metropolis. Since the early years of its creation in 1967, Lagos teemed with a growing population and government at various times had experimented with providing public buses. But somehow, these efforts were fleeting with confidence of passengers waning just as the fleet of buses disintegrated and disappeared.
It was in the shadow of these failed interventions to public bus transportation that Molue buses thrived and even became symbolic of Lagos. And for decades, Lagosians packed into dilapidating, rickety, exposed to the dangers of pickpockets and unscrupulous hawkers. That was in the past. But the BRT initiative seemed to have come to stay. Now, BRT buses have come to replace the eyesore the Molues degenerated to.
Though the BRT blueprint was laid down by the Bola Tinubu-led government, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Lagos governor and present minister of power, works and housing began the execution. And after the baton of Lagos State governorship passed on Akinwumi Ambode last May, the BRT has since got further boost.
Firstly, within his first six months as governor, the state government purchased 434 new BRT buses to join the existing fleet. In the same spate of time, he commissioned the Mile12-Ikorodu extension. And in a move aimed at bringing sanity to the route, Ambode relocated the 1st BRT Co-operative of Lagos Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to another corridor. According to the government, they didn’t adhere to stipulated frequency schedules and operated buses below 50 percent fleet capacity which was contrary to the agreement. In addition to that, commuters had complained of their reckless nature on the road. Also, in February, Lagos launched Special Offences (Mobile) court for traffic. And with this development, more sanity is expected to prevail on Lagos roads. While the court will try different traffic offences such as driving against traffic, disobeying traffic lights and signs and even jaywalking, it also seeks to punish motorists who use BRT lanes.
And thinking forward, I find it commendable that the Ambode-led government is considering 24-hour operation of BRT buses. Confirming this, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Wale Oluwo, in January said: “Arrangement has been concluded on having BRT buses to work at night once the Light Up Lagos project is completed.”
For a city that compares to New York in major parameters, Lagos is long overdue for a 24-hour transport system. The truth be said, many parts of Lagos hardly sleeps. And this unlike what some people think can only further drive the state’s economy. And with the increase in street lightning the state is witnessing with the ‘Light Up Lagos’ project, movement in the state will be safer. Already, from Berger in Ojodu to Lekki, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, the entire Ikeja axis, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, and even the route of my daily commute from Ikeja to Agege via Alfa Nla Road are now lit up at night.
I can feel the seriousness the Lagos State government attaches to the ensuring efficient public bus system. However, to jack up efficiency, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) must step up on its regulatory functions. It must ensure it continues to work with other partners, like those involved in maintaining roads, ensuring order on the roads and those providing lightning, to bring out the best.
At a recent town hall meeting in January, Ambode, while giving account of his stewardship at the second quarterly town hall meeting at the City Hall, Lagos Island, said that 66 major road projects were at various stages of completion and 80 road grading and surface dressing projects will soon be completed across the state. It is also commendable that Ambode’s administration has commenced the construction of flyovers at Ajah roundabout, Abule–Egba Junction and Berger Bus stop.
Today, Lagos has not yet reached its desired level as regards public transportation. Of course with no metro line and very reliable public water transportation, it is not yet Uhuru. But one thing is clear. Ambode is poised to take the state’s public transportation sector to much more enviable heights, just like his predecessor did. That is why I am consoled by Ambode’s promise that the Blue Line Rail Project which runs from Okokomaiko to Marina will be completed by December.
While a Lagos without traffic is like stripping the city of its identity, an efficiently planned and properly operated public transportation system will make commuting less hell. In this age and time, public buses should be efficient, modern and with the BRT lanes accorded them, fast. As Lagosians, we owe the government the co-operation to see it work. It is for all our benefit. Eko Oni Baje.
