‘It’ll deepen burden on ordinary Lagosians’ — ADC aspirant demands reversal of BRT fare hike

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the fare increment in February.

An aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ayodele Adio, has reacted to the recent 13 per cent increase in fares across all schemes under the state’s Bus Reform Initiative, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the fare adjustment following appeals from regulated public transport operators who cited rising operational costs and mounting economic pressures.

The governor said the increase, which took effect on 2 March, was meant to cushion the impact of persistent economic challenges on public transport operations in the state.

Reversal

Reacting to the development, Mr Adio, in a statement issued on Sunday, urged the state government and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to reverse the decision.

He argued that the fare increase came at a time when millions of Lagos residents were already grappling with severe economic hardship.

According to him, the situation has been worsened by rising inflation, high fuel prices, and broader global economic pressures, including the ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Mr Adio said, “Public transportation is a lifeline for workers, students, traders, and small business owners across Lagos.

“Increasing fares at a time when families are already battling rising food, energy, and living costs will only deepen the burden on ordinary Lagosians.”

Increase not solution

Furthermore, Mr Adio argued that increasing BRT fares would not address the operational challenges facing transport providers in the state.

He stated that many residents depend heavily on BRT and other regulated bus services for their daily commute and livelihoods.

He noted that increasing transport fares would only deepen the financial burden on commuters without addressing the structural problems confronting the system.

Mr Adio, therefore, called on the state government to reconsider and roll back the fare increase.

He urged authorities to pursue other solutions to assist transport operators, such as targeted subsidies, operational efficiency reforms and wider consultations with key stakeholders.

“At a time like this, public policy must prioritise economic relief and social protection. The government must act to ensure that public transportation remains affordable and accessible for the millions who rely on it every day,” Adio added.