A report by Mitsio Motu Ltd, a data company showed that there was high level of compliance of Lagos state transport sector to the Covid-19 rules and regulations imposed by the Lagos state ministry of transport during the lockdown.
The study, which was undertaken for five months, showed that between 80 to 91 per cent of drivers wore face masks during the pandemic.
The outbreak of Covid-19 led to the introduction of lockdown by some state governments in order to control the spread of the virus.
In order to monitor the level of compliance to the new rules for public transport introduced by the Lagos State Government, Mitsio Motu Ltd undertook an analysis of the public safety rules.
The project was initiated and executed by Louis Verin, CEO of Mitsio Motu Ltd while the data was collected by a team of data mobilisers and collectors who were managed and coordinated by Naomie Boketa.
The data collection tool (QGIS, ArcGIS) was built and planned by the Senior Data Analyst for Mitsio Motu Ltd, Benedict Ibe who also managed the detailed data validation, data cleaning, complex data analysis and reporting.
A detailed analysis of the report showed that due to social distancing imposed by the government, transport fares increased by more than 100% to make up for the reduced number of passengers usually carried by the transport systems.
in terms of social distancing, the report said sea transporters/transport workers were observed to adhere to effective social distancing the most, and were also observed to adhere most to wearing of face masks.
“Data was collected taking into account Lagos peak hours and the curfew implemented by the Lagos State Government (6.00AM to 8.00PM).
Data collection occurred during three different kind of periods: 7.30AM to 10.00AM (Morning peak hour); 12.00PM to 2.00PM (off-peak hour) and 4.00PM to 6.PM (Evening peak hour) and across 30 bus stops, two jetties stops in 12 Local Government Areas in the State,” part of the report said.
It added: “There was a high level of compliance regarding the wearing of face mask, but can be increased. Commuting in formal buses networks does not preclude more compliance to the safety guidelines. 24% of Blue BRT observed exceeded the total number of passengers in contrast 10 only 4% of Red BRT.
“Low level of compliance regarding social distancing while queuing (32%); Very high general level of safety compliance in the case formal sea transport stakeholders (Sea Coach and Texas Ferry).”
It however said: “In total, in 24% case, at least commuters entered without face mask, except in the case of Formal sea transport. Nonetheless, Formal Land Mass Transit buses (Blue BRT) are the less compliant (34%).
“In general, more passengers were carried than required. Land Mid and Lower Capacity 2 are the less compliant in this regard (66% compliance in average).
In most cases (except formal Sea Mass transit categories), commuters do not observe social distancing while queuing (73%) probably due to inadequate Bus Stops and Jetty Stop infrastructure.
In order to enforce compliance, the report called for additional distributions of face masks for 100% drivers.
“There should be additional enforcement of face mask wearing for drivers, commuters, and of non exceeded capacity, in particular in Blue BRT buses network and based on a clear categorisation of transport mean in other cases.
“There is also the need to monitor disinfection frequency in all means of transport. The government should also investigate the lack of social distancing which is due to non compliance from commuters or inadequate infrastructure (in the latter case. planning the reinforcement of bus and jetty stops infrastructure),” the report added.
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