Primero Transport Services Limited (TSL), operators of the popular Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Lagos, has revealed plans to convert some of its buses from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by first quarter of 2026.
This was disclosed on Thursday during the company’s 10th anniversary celebration, themed: ” A Decade of Driving Progress Through Resilience”.
In an exclusive interview with Newsmen, Fola Tinubu, the Managing Director/ CEO, while reflecting on the organisation’s decade-long journey of innovation and resilience said the initiative is geared towards advancing a cleaner and more efficient public transportation in the state.
“It’s been 10 years of God’s grace, 10 years of hard work, 10 years of moving Lagosians up and down. And it’s just a way to thank all our staff for their dedication and their hard work. And also to thank all our partners for being and staying with us for the last 10 years,” he said.
Tinubu described the evolution of the transport sector in Lagos as both demanding and transformative, noting that PTS has remained at the forefront of innovation.
“It’s been a long journey and it’s been a very innovative journey. I know I’ve gone to Traffic Radio numerous times to talk about all the innovations and all the things that we’ve done. We have introduced lots of new concepts to public transport in Lagos,” he explained.
Highlighting some of the company’s pioneering efforts, he recalled, “One of them, I’ll mention a couple of them. One was, we were the first that started using cowry cards. We’re the ones that first introduced Wi-Fi in our buses.”
Despite the challenges, Tinubu emphasized that the company’s perseverance has kept it going: “So we’ve done so many new innovative things in the transport sector. It’s been lots of hard work. It’s been very, very tough. But we thank God that we’re still here 10 years after.”
“In fact, by the first quarter of next year, you’ll see about 100 of our buses will have gone from diesel engine to CNG. And then eventually, we plan to bring some electric buses. There are so many things we have planned for public transport in Lagos,” he stated.
He also used the occasion to express gratitude to the company’s passengers, acknowledging their role in PTS’s growth and survival over the years.
“My first message is to thank them for their loyalty, for their steadfastness, and for staying with us throughout the thick and the thin. Because without them, we’re nothing. So all I can say is thank you. God bless you all. And we’ll keep on working to try to improve our services and ensure we provide a world-class service for you.”
Launched exactly a decade ago by then-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the company has since revolutionized intra-city transportation in Lagos, ferrying millions of commuters with a commitment to safety, affordability, and reliability.
The 10th anniversary event, held yesterday drew dignitaries, staff, loyal passengers, traditional rulers and industry stakeholders to celebrate the transpost system achievements and also reflective tributes.
One of the highlights of the anniversary was the leadership excellence award presented to the MD/CEO of Primero Transport Services, Mr Fola Tinubu for his leadership and outstanding ideas in moving the company forward.
Primero TSL Operations Ambassadors were also recognised and presented gifts, and also long-service certificates and gifts were also presented to Primero TSL staff.
As Primero Transport Services Limited steps into its next decade, it aims to deepen its investment in technology and eco-friendly transportation, contributing to Lagos’ vision of a modern and sustainable transit system.
