The Lagos State Government has reiterated its readiness to integrate mini and midi buses, popularly known as Korope and Danfo, operating along the Lekki-Ajah axis into its Bus Reform Initiative.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, disclosed this during a meeting with relevant stakeholders in Alausa.

Giwa explained that the project is in its planning phase and will commence once all arrangements are finalized.

He disclosed that the documentation process for bus operators interested in the scheme is ongoing, with 10 operators having submitted letters of intent to the Ministry of Transportation of which six have already been confirmed.

The official stated that all participating buses will undergo physical verification by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) to ensure their roadworthiness and proper documentation, adding that once verified, the buses will be branded in the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) colours and will be equipped with validators.

Giwa noted that a framework is being developed to integrate union dues deductions into the e-ticketing system, while also addressing the activities of hoodlums who extort transporters along the axis, stressing that the initiative will be test-run for three months before full enforcement.

He emphasised that once the programme is implemented, minibusses (Korope) will no longer be allowed to operate along the Lekki-Ajah expressway but will be deployed to inner routes and communities. (Saturday Guardian)

•Mini buses popularly called ‘Korope’ queue and waiting for passengers in Lagos, on February 23, 2022. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)