The Lagos State Government has confirmed there will be no delay in the planned enforcement banning operations of all unregulated commercial bus services, specifically “Danfos” and “Koropes,” along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting October 1, 2024. This announcement comes despite speculations about a potential suspension of the plan.
Strategic Transportation Master Plan
Speaking to Vanguard, State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, reaffirmed that the ban aligns with the Lagos State Strategic Transportation Master Plan. The officials called for the cooperation of public transport bus operators, including Korope and Danfo drivers, as the government rolls out restructuring plans to improve the commuting experience.
Giwa noted that a stakeholders’ meeting had been held earlier with bus operators and union leaders to discuss the need for compliance before the implementation date. He described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic, emphasizing the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative, using Lekki-Epe as a pilot test.
Restructuring and Modernization Efforts
The Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) inspected the Lekki-Epe Corridor to identify limitations hindering seamless traffic flow. They have developed a systematic framework to address these challenges, including the restructuring of unregulated public transport bus operations, the deployment of high-capacity buses, and the reallocation of Korope/mini buses to inner routes.
Some of the key solutions outlined by Giwa include:
– Introduction of E-ticketing System: Modernizing fare collection to streamline operations.
– Provision of Transport Infrastructure: Establishing laybys and terminals to enhance service delivery.
– Regulation and Standardization of Bus Operations: Ensuring safety and passenger comfort while promoting the security of lives and properties along the corridor.
Giwa also mentioned that the restructuring plan would be implemented in phases. Transport operators wishing to join the restructuring program are urged to register with the Ministry of Transportation within the next two weeks. Also, registered operators will be allotted specific routes to ensure compliance with the strategy.
Enforcement and Compliance
Giwa warned that any operator violating the new regulations would face fines and potential forfeiture of their vehicles. Moreover, the State Government will not tolerate willful disregard of its Transport Sector Reform Law. Addressing union members’ concerns, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, stressed the importance of cooperation in identifying unregistered operators.
The Head of Bus Services at LAMATA, Dr. Amure, explained that the rapid development of the Lekki/Epe axis necessitated the choice of this corridor for continuing the Bus Reform Initiative, which began with the Bus Rapid Transit system in other parts of Lagos. Union leaders, including the Acting Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha, and the Deputy Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji Taofeek Ajayi, expressed their support for the restructuring initiative.
E-Call Up System for Efficient Logistics
In a significant move to reduce congestion and improve logistics efficiency within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor, the Lagos State Government will commence the e-call up system for managing truck movements starting August 1, 2024. Furthermore, Commissioner Osiyemi stated that the e-call up system is a sustainable, technology-driven solution for regulating truck movements in the area.
Giwa, responsible for enforcing the e-call up system, explained that the platform is designed to schedule and coordinate truck entries and exits, preventing chaotic traffic situations caused by indiscriminate parking and movement. The Lekki-Epe corridor, home to key economic hubs like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, will benefit significantly from this system.
Moreover, the implementation of the e-call up system aims to enhance free movement, streamline vehicular traffic, and support the state’s economic development.
Source: Vanguard
