Lagos Govt. Ends 50% Public Transport Discount

The Lagos State Government has terminated the 50% discount on transport fares within the Public Transport System, a measure initially instated in response to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive on August 2, 2023.

In a public announcement made on Saturday, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has declared a return to the previous public transport rates effective from November 5.

“The 50% fare reduction in the regulated transport system in Lagos concludes on Sunday,” states the announcement from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, also specifying that “starting from Monday, November 6, 2023, transport fares will revert to the rates in place prior to August 2, 2023.”

The statement further advised residents of Lagos to be prepared for the resumption of regular transport fare rates, which were in effect prior to the adjustment made in August.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had initially announced on July 31 the reduction of transport fares for state-owned buses by 50%, as well as a 25% reduction for commercial yellow buses on all routes.

These reductions were part of efforts to alleviate the impact of the petrol subsidy removal.

He had mentioned that the bus fare reduction was scheduled to take effect on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, and also highlighted the expansion of the staff bus fleet for workers in the Lagos State Public Service to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal.

He assured that the buses are ready and would be deployed through the office of the Head of Service of the state.