By Faridat Salifu
In a strategic push to overhaul Lagos’ crowded urban transport landscape, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has revealed plans to introduce articulated buses along existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors to expand passenger capacity and reduce congestion.
LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, disclosed the upcoming changes during a recent episode of Mobility Redefined, a transport-focused podcast produced by mobility tech firm Modaxo.
While a specific rollout date has yet to be announced, Akinajo confirmed that the agency is actively planning for the integration of the longer, jointed buses into Lagos’ transit fleet.
“These BRT lanes are already dedicated infrastructure, so the natural next step is to optimize them by introducing articulated buses that carry significantly more passengers,” Akinajo said.
Articulated buses, distinguished by their flexible midsection and extended length, are designed to accommodate more commuters than standard models—an upgrade that aligns with Lagos State’s broader vision for mass transit reform. The buses will form part of a long-term strategy to transition from informal minibus operations—popularly known as danfos—to safer, regulated, and technology-enabled services.
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Currently, informal operators handle nearly 75% of daily trips across the city’s roadways, according to Akinajo. With more than 75,000 minibuses navigating Lagos streets each day, the city’s transport network remains dominated by the informal sector—something the state is working to change.
The government’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) outlines an ambitious roadmap to replace many of these small vehicles with 15,000 high-capacity buses, backed by the expansion of rail, water, and dedicated bus infrastructure. So far, two of six proposed rail lines—the Blue and Red Lines—have partially launched, with construction continuing on subsequent phases.
In addition to physical upgrades, LAMATA is turning to technology to modernize services. Akinajo noted that an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is already being deployed to enhance bus monitoring, route scheduling, and passenger information systems. New intermodal terminals are also under construction to enable seamless transfers between buses, ferries, and train systems.
Environmental sustainability is also a key pillar of the plan. LAMATA is pursuing cleaner alternatives like compressed natural gas (CNG) and exploring waste-to-energy options to reduce emissions from public transit operations.
“The shift isn’t just about replacing one type of vehicle with another—it’s about building a smart, integrated, and eco-friendly transport ecosystem,” Akinajo said. She added that integrating informal drivers into formal roles—through retraining and adherence to standards like e-ticketing and GPS tracking—will also be central to ensuring a smooth transition.
With the expected deployment of articulated buses and improved rail frequencies, including 10-minute intervals on the Lagos Blue Line during rush hours, the state government appears determined to transform urban mobility into a more efficient, safe, and inclusive experience for millions of daily commuters.
