The Lagos state government has announced that it is expecting new Compressed Natural Gas and Electric buses by the third quarter of the year to enhance bus services.
The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made this disclosure yesterday during the commissioning of the Abule Egba Bus Terminal.
According to the governor, the expected buses would expand the State’s current fleet, while also increasing the availability of buses and reducing waiting times at bus stops for commuters.
The imposing transport infrastructure, which is strategically situated close to Lagos Red Line corridor, provides a convenient transport route for passengers to board, exit buses and connect to other forms of transportation.
Sanwo-Olu said the project was another milestone recorded in his administration’s ongoing efforts to upgrade the State’s public transportation system with modern and sustainable infrastructure in order to enable the facilities meet up Lagosians’ commuting aspirations.
The Governor said the new bus terminal reflected his commitment to continuously enhance public transportation systems, strengthening connectivity and improving the overall experience for commuters.
He said: “Six years ago, we made a pledge to the people of Lagos that we would upgrade the State’s public transportation system with modern, sustainable infrastructure to enable them meet up their daily aspirations. Today, we are here in Abule Egba within Orile-Agege LCDA to handover yet another modernised bus terminal to our residents in fulfillment of our promise.
“This is a public bus terminal that will aid seamless commuting from here to other parts of Lagos. This infrastructure reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing public transportation systems, strengthening connectivity, and improving the overall experience for commuters. We are dedicated to taking ongoing steps to advance and modernise transportation across the State.”
Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s vision was not only to enhance mobility but also to catalyse urban and economic growth through interconnected transportation networks where residents would have choices to commute by rail, water or land.
He disclosed that his government was building two additional interchange hubs in Marina and Mile 2, while another bus terminal is at the advanced stage of construction in Iyana Ipaja axis.
To further make intracity rail transport accessible to residents, Sanwo-Olu announced a 30 per cent reduction in fares for Lagos Red Line service, bringing down the fares from N1,500 to N1,000.
Urging residents in the area to take ownership of the project, Sanwo-Olu said: “This infrastructure has been made possible through your tax contributions. I urge you to take pride in it, protect it, and ensure that it remains safe from any harm or damage. By safeguarding these assets, we can all benefit from their long-term value and continue to build a better future for our community.”
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, observed that the State’s strategic transportation policy emphasised provision of modern infrastructure to reduce travel time, while ensuring safety.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Wale Musa, said the State’s transportation policy was built upon a foundation of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, noted that sustainable infrastructure remained the backbone that would make seamless connectivity possible in a transport system.
Notable features in the Abule Egba terminal include loading bays, a terminal building with a customer service area, a waiting area, spaces for restaurants and other commercial services, offices for ground staff, public conveniences, a water treatment plant and provision for green energy, among others.
