By Michael Olatunji
High capacity bus operators in Lagos State got an unlikely one year anniversary gift from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday, when it approved that they can now carry full capacity of 42 passengers seated. in and no standing State Government on Thursday, when Regulated high capacity buses in Lagos operated by Primero Transport Services Limited and Lagos Bus Services Limited can now carry 42 passengers seated and no standing, Lagos State Government has announced.
The announcement followed a review of its earlier order which limited commuter occupancy to 21 passengers but still ensures that occupancy is not more than 60 per cent of bus passenger capacity. The review takes effect from Friday 29th May 2020.
Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo said government also approved two fare zones for BRT services. Bus services between Ikorodu and Fadeyi will attract a fare of N300 and trips beyond Fadeyi will attract N500.
She explained that the decision to establish the fare zones was taken following extensive consultation with stakeholders, majority of whom are those who use regulated bus services daily.
She stated that operators must ensure that passengers wear face mask at all times, sanitise their hands with alcohol-based sanitizer or wash with soap under running water before and after each trip.
Besides, she said passengers’ temperature must be measured before being allowed entry into the buses.
Operators would be expected to disinfect their vehicles, and depots regularly and continuously.
She said operators must ensure bus terminals and bus stops are not overcrowded with passengers and commercial activities, at any point in time, in line with the social distancing protocol for passengers queuing to board buses.
Mrs. Akinajo said operators and their staff are mandated to always wear personal protective equipment while in transit and dispose non-reusable ones appropriately.
Mrs. Akinajo said passengers may report any operator that failed to comply with the guidelines to the monitoring officer at sight, call LAMATA on 09099-LAMATA (09099-526282) or write to LAMATA stating the vehicle registration number, its unique code, time of incident and location.
She admonished Lagosians to also call 08000CORONA to report any suspected case of COVID-19.
Meanwhile the Managing Director of Primero Transport Services Ltd., Fola Tinubu had earlier announced a hike in fare.
Primero is the BRT Operator on the Ikorodu to Marina corridor.
Tinubu in a statement yesterday said its application for a fare increase has been approved and may soon take effect.