Former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has urged the incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to prioritize the reclamation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and to expand the state’s waterway transport infrastructure.
Fashola delivered his speech during the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit held on Tuesday, where he spoke on the theme: “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity.”
Emphasizing the need for government intervention, Fashola highlighted the importance of regulating the operations of BRT vehicles and prioritizing this transportation mode to achieve intermodal transport goals and address climate change challenges. He stated, “We must reclaim the BRT from the tyranny of tricycles and mini buses,” referencing the detrimental effects of the proliferation of motorcycles and smaller commercial vehicles on Lagos roads.
Fashola pointed out that these vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, contradicting the state’s commitments to combat climate change.
“Our partners, those we signed these agreements with across the world, must be watching us with some concern,” he added.
The former governor revealed the significance of the BRT system, noting its status as a pioneering initiative in Africa that was modeled after successful systems in South America.
“We cannot abdicate our state’s far-reaching work on the Bus Rapid Transit system, which was then the first in Africa,” he emphasized.
In response, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Fashola that the government’s concept of an integrated public transport system is on track.
“Thank you for reminding us again, but we will give you assurance that our concept of integrated public transportation is on track,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu announced plans to introduce an additional 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to Lagos by next year, aiming to revitalize the BRT Urban Mass Transportation initiative.
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He acknowledged the challenges posed by commercial motorcycles and tricycles, affirming the government’s commitment to reorganizing their operations without allowing them to congest major highways.
“We believe that alternatives will be provided; adequate alternatives in rail, water infrastructure, and BRT for all commuters in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
