As the seven-day, 50 percent fare reduction on state-run buses began on Friday, some Bus Rapid Transit passengers in Lagos State expressed gratitude to the state government for providing them with assistance.
The passengers spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos as the country’s cash and fuel shortages persisted, necessitating action on the part of the state government.
Mr. Jude Samuel, a Costa Rican passenger who boarded the BRT to Lagos, expressed gratitude to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing them with relief at the most critical time.
Samuel stated that he was content to give CMS N200 rather than N400.
Mrs. Remi Kuti, another passenger, stated that she had desired to visit her ill brother at Gberigbe in Ikorodu but was unable to do so due to the increase in fares.
However, Kuti claimed that the government’s fare reduction had made her trip possible.
Mrs. Adijat Sulaimon, a pepper seller, thanked Gov. Sanwo-Olu for giving people another chance to control the country’s insufficient money circulation.
She thanked the governor for his support and kind gesture toward Lagos residents and stated that the N300 reduction on her fare greatly assisted her.
Mrs. Tina Osita, a passenger at Ojota, expressed gratitude to the government but demanded that the vehicles be maintained and that fares be reduced over time rather than just in the short term.
Charles Ebenezer, a college applicant, thanked the government for its assistance during a time of financial hardship.
A passenger named Mr. Ibe Okoro appreciated Sanwo-Olu’s compassion for the poor and pleaded with the government to consider a small reduction after the seven-day 50% discount.
On Wednesday, the governor of Lagos State approved a 50% price cut for Bus Rapid Transit tickets.
The governor also approved lowering the prices of other state-owned transportation systems in addition to the BRT.
The Lagos Ferry Services, the First Mile and Last Mile buses, and the LAGRIDE taxi scheme are the other modes of transportation.
He stated that all state transportation facilities would receive a 50% discount for the next seven days.
The state government had stated, “We will push out more Cowrie Cards to enable more Lagosians to join our services.”