.Says it subsidized public transport fares with N14.9bn in 6yrs
IBRAHIM QUADRI
With over 60 million passengers moved in less than six years within Lagos, the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has subsidized the public transport fare by N14.9bn to ease commuters’ burden.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the 2025 ministerial briefing to mark the 2nd year of the second term in office of Governor Sanwo-Olu at Alausa, Ikeja.
Also present at the briefing were the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Special Advisers to the Governor on Transportation and Media and Publicity, Sola Giwa and Gboyega Akosile, respectively among others.
Lagos Bus Service Limited, (LBSL) is established by the State Government to save time and money and enhance socio- economic development of the State.
Osiyemi said, “LBSL has moved a total of 60,882,000 passengers from May 2019 till February 2025. LBSL currently moves over 42,266 passengers daily with an average of 1000 bus trips per day.
“LBSL average fare for February was N542.66 while informal public transport fare was N1,097.73.
“Since inception, the LBSL average fare has been N261.67 cheaper than the average fares in Lagos. LBSL has implicitly subsidized fares for Lagosians, transported to an estimated sum of N14.9 billion.”
The Commissioner further explained, “LBSL Driving School produced an additional 144 drivers to make a total of 3,537 certified high-capacity bus drivers as of 18th March 2025.
The Commissioner added that, “Public transport is safer than private cars in terms of accident rates and severity. Public transport enhances the overall safety and security of passengers. Public transport moves more people with fewer vehicles. Reduces Congestion — Public transport reduces traffic congestion and travel time.”
He noted that public transport saves energy, one bus can replace up to 40 cars and has less fuel consumption and emission up to 95%.
While reiterating on bus reform initiative of the State Government through Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA, Osiyemi disclosed that with the increasing number of passengers on the Blue Line Rail, an additional three rolling stocks are expected in May to enhance service delivery.
The State Governor had in December 2022 inaugurated the Blue Line Rail in the state.
The first phase of the infrastructure works for the rail project (Marina to Mile 2)and has commenced operation.
The Blue Line is one of seven Lagos metro rail lines, spanning from Marina to Okokomaiko.
The Commissioner said, “The first phase has already commenced full commercial passengers operation and has transported more than two million passengers to date.
“The full Line is set to be 27km: Marina to Okokomaiko. Construction of of phase 2 from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko started in December expected to carry 500,000 passengers a day.
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