Lagos State government on Wednesday launched the new buses under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) with free service on five routes, with 820 buses out of the 5,000 high and medium capacity buses planned for the initiative to be immediately deployed for the project.

According to the state government, the free service was launched across five routes, including Berger to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Berger to Oshodi, Oshodi to TBS, Ikeja to Alausa and Ikeja to Oshodi to commemorate the Workers Days, while normal service is expected to start on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

Operator of the buses, Mr Timi Olajide, made this known while speaking at Ikeja Bus Terminal, one of the modern terminals constructed as part of the BRI, saying it was a good thing that the buses had now been finally launched for the use of the people, even as he assured that the development would redefine public transportation and make the state globally competitive.

Besides, Olajide said the intelligent transport system component of the initiative which would aid Lagosians to plan their journeys, comfort and safety of the people had also been factored into the whole process.

“In each of the buses, we have six emergency exits and First Aid Box, while every seat has a dedicated USB port for charging of phones, free Wi-fi, television and CCTV cameras which are linked to our control centre to monitor everything going on in the buses, among other features.

“We have also taken the issue of people with disabilities specially and there are seats reserved for them in the buses,” he said.

A cross section of Lagos residents at Oshodi Transport Interchange, and who happened to enjoy the free service, lauded the state government especially Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the buses and the infrastructure provided to support the transport reforms, saying the development was commendable.

They include Adewusi Oluwatobi Emmanuel, Mr Demola Aleshinloye, Mrs Olorunfemi Funmilayo, among others.

According to Emmanuel, “I am very happy to enter this bus today because it is a thing of joy that something like this can happen in Nigeria. I am happy that I can enter a beautiful bus with free Wi-Fi, free USB port, free air-conditioning and so on.

“With this, I know that this country is going to greater heights. One thing I believe we should do is to work together, love ourselves and before we know it, Nigeria will be one of the best countries in the world.”

Aleshinloye described the initiative as a lovely idea, saying he wanted the development to be sustained. (Tribune)

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