• Appeal For Better Services

While several commuters using the Lagos Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) are still grappling with the challenges of the newly introduced cowry payment method, the sudden upward review of BRT fare is a development they are finding unpleasant.

Aggrieved by the review, many of the commuters in a chat with The Guardian, pleaded with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene for a reversal of the hike.

The new fare prices, which were displayed in various BRT stations, came as a rude shock to many customers, who said the action was not the best, especially when the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and aftermath of the lockdown is still very severe.

The BRT management recently reviewed upward its fare for various routes. For instance, fare prices from Oshodi-Abule Egba jumped from N300 to N350, while Ikeja to Alausa was raised from N100 to N120. Berger to Iyana Ipaja was increased from N200 to N240, while Ogba, CMS, TBS, Obalende got increased to N400 from N350, just as Berger to Obalende was raised from N350 to N400.

The anxious commuters noted that, while the hike looks minimal and insignificant, it has biting effect on their spending. They were of the view that the governor shouldn’t have approved the increment, due to the biting economy, as yellow buses are now taking advantage of the development to also increase fares.

They also pleaded with the governor to impress it on the BRT operators to improve on their services, as well as check the fraudulent activities of some BRT staff, who recharge the boarding card.

The Guardian check revealed that there was no security on the card. Once it is lost, stolen or misplaced, anybody could continue using it.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the company, who said he was not authorised to address the media, explained that the cost of maintaining the vehicles and other facilities is responsible for the decision.

He said the increment was minimal, compared to the cost of maintenance of the facilities. He appealed to commuters to bear with the company, as the decision was aimed at providing the best service for customers.

(The Guardian)

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