By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured Lagosians that 500 small new buses will be introduced to the state by next week Thursday.
The Governor said this on Wednesday while declaring open the Lagos Architect Forum in Lagos.
He said this will provide alternatives to local motorcycles.
NatureNews recalls that Lagos State banned the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in six local government areas in the state.
The affected LGs are the state capital Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Apapa, Surulere and Eti Osa. The ban became effective on February 1, 2020.
In his speech, the governor noted the progress made in the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda and his vision for the Lagos master plan to ensure that Lagos becomes ‘Africa’s model megacity’ by 2050. Acknowledging the challenges in the transport sector, the Governor gave assurances on improving the various modes of transport including the roads, waterways and rail lines.
“For the waterways, we’re currently building 16 jetties and terminals. About seven of them should be ready before the end of the year; we have some that are already currently being used.
“All of them will not look as nice as the one at Falomo, but we want all of them to be comfortable. We have a fleet of almost 20 boats now each carrying at 50, 60, 40 passengers. We want people to use the waterways which is why we’re investing in them,” Sanwo-Olu said.
On road and rail transport, Sanwo-Olu said the state would soon begin to operate 100 new high-capacity buses, with plans to launch 500 LASTMA small buses by next week Wednesday or Thursday as alternatives to okadas that don’t have enough passenger space.
He also promised that one of either the blue or red rail lines will become operational by next year.
