Lagos bans LAGBUS from Ikorodu Road corridor from Monday

Lagos State Government said it has banned LAGBUS (red buses) from plying the BRT (blue buses) corridor on Ikorodu Road with effect from Monday.

Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, made this known on Friday while addressing newsmen, saying the step was also being taken ahead of plans to introduce Intelligent Traffic System along the BRT corridor in the state.
Elegushi said consequently, all LAGBUS buses would no longer be allowed to load or drop passengers along the BRT corridor, pointing out that it was part of steps taken to relocate all other franchises from the use of the corridor.

While saying that information as to the new routes had earlier been conveyed to stakeholders at a parley, the commissioner has, however, assured that the state government has concluded arrangements to allocate new routes to the operators of LAGBUS franchise.

“Henceforth, the LAGBUS buses can only provide end to end bus services using the expressway and service lanes along the Ikorodu Road stretch,” the commissioner said.

Explaining the decision, the Acting Commissioner noted that the state government was determined to enhance and boost commuters’ experience along the corridor, adding that the present arrangement had constrained the capacity of the BRT bus services to cater for the people.

He further stated that, “The restriction does not extend to charter staff buses run by LAGBUS; does not preclude access to depot along Ikorodu road and express services are allowed with only few designated stops.

“All routes from Ikorodu hinterland will now terminate at TOS Benson Bus Stop after which there will be no loading of passengers.

“However, the operations of LAGBUS buses have been moved to other 14 routes identified by the Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Master Plan.”

Elegushi, who said one other route would take off before the end of the year, declared that the new plan was in the overall interest of Lagosians.

The commissioner also placed a ban on sales of tickets on board buses, describing such attitude as the harbinger of unstructured service.

He urged Lagosians to see this gesture as an attempt to serving them better and, therefore, be willing to support the initiative.