Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced a 50 percent reduction in the transportation fare of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) controlled by the Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) from Aug. 2.
He made this known while addressing state house correspondents, at the end of the security meeting with agencies including the army, police and the navy, held at the State House, Ikeja.
The governor said that this was part of the palliatives for Lagos residents, to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, as well as the harsh economic situation in the country.
”In response to the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, I’m introducing a series of measures for economic and humanitarian relief.
”From Wednesday, we’re implementing a 50% per cent fare reduction on all Lagos buses, easing the burden on commuters across the city.
”In collaboration with the bus unions, 25% off all yellow buses (danfo) fares will be communicated officially by the unions.
”Additionally, I am pleased to announce a 50 percent fare reduction on all LagFerry routes. This will provide more accessible and affordable transportation options for our residents.
”Recognising the importance of affordable healthcare, I am directing our General Hospitals to offer free ante-natal services and delivery; normal and C-section services.
“This is ensuring the health of our families are taken care of without worrying about financial constraints,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed plans for foodstuffs to be released to the vulnerable in the society, through the local governments, churches and mosques, to cushion the effect of the hardship.
”This will continue until we see the result of this interventions,” the governor said.
He said that more buses would be deployed to convey civil servants, while the remaining would be added to the fleet for public transportation, to aid the movement of residents.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to be law abiding, as they go about their affairs in the state.
He said that in the next 30 days, vehicle and security gadgets would be provided to law enforcement officers, so as to improve security in the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Idowu Owohunwa, said that there had been increase in cultism and vehicle vandalism in the state.
Owohunwa said that since ‘Operation Flush’ was formed by the force, 260 suspects had been arrested and were being investigated.
He said that the governor had charged the police to upscale its operation, warning that anyone planning to disrupt the peace of the state would be dealt with.
