The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, the largest opposition party in Nigeria, has criticized the state government for raising the cost of the state’s bus rapid transit (BRT) on numerous routes.
According to InsightnaijaTV, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently approved a flat rate increase for all BRT and Standard routes in order to mitigate the effects of the challenging operating environment, protect private partnership investment, and prevent the state’s formalized bus operations from going out of business.
Ikorodu to TBS bus fare has increased from N500 to N600, and Berger to Ajah bus fare has increased from N600 to N700. From N350, Oshodi to Abule Egba would cost N450, and Abule-Egba-CMS-Obalende will cost N600.
The government has announced that the hike will take effect on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, and that it is intended to ensure the viability of the BRT and standard route projects.
In addition, the governor stated that in light of the ongoing rise in gasoline prices, support would be given to bus operating companies. This guarantees that the passenger’s increment is kept to a minimal.
In response, PDP claimed the rise will worsen the plight of the populace in a statement issued on Sunday by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Amode.
The PDP claimed that the current administration was not taking into account the residents’ livelihoods, who had already endured enough suffering.
Amode emphasized that it was unjustifiable for the APC administration to attribute the increase on the pump price of diesel, which increased from N187 to N830, and the lack of spare parts.
He said that the Sanwo-Olu-led APC administration had entirely neglected its duty to the state’s citizens and had turned a blind eye to their plight.
“The few ‘luxuries’ provided by the state to the populace are being taken away.
“Now is not the time for any form of increment, as the people of the state have suffered enough under this unsympathetic government.”
In light of the state’s citizens’ struggles with crumbling infrastructure, insecurity, hunger, and a spike in crime, among other issues, Amode pleaded on the state government to put an immediate stop to the proposed increase in BRT fares.
