The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an 18 percent increase in bus fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes in Lagos, effective Monday, February 17, 2025.
In a statement released on Thursday, LAMATA attributed the fare hike to rising operational costs and the need to sustain bus services for efficient transportation across the state.
“Please be informed that there will be an 18 percent increase in the bus fare on all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes. The fare increase is because of the increase in the cost of operations and the need to ensure that buses keep running and guarantee your movement around Lagos,” the statement read.
LAMATA, which oversees transport planning, implementation, regulation, and franchising in the state, emphasized that the increase is necessary to maintain the efficiency of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and other components of the Bus Reform Initiative.
Lagos Residents Decry Fare Increase Amid Economic Hardship
Following the announcement, many Lagos residents expressed frustration over the fare hike, citing the ongoing economic hardship in the country. Commuters lamented that the increment would further strain their finances, making daily transportation even more difficult.
A resident, Akindele Ojo, said, “Life is already hard enough with the rising cost of food and other essentials. Increasing bus fares now will only make things worse for the average Lagosian.”
Others called on the government to intervene and provide relief measures to cushion the impact of the increment on low-income earners.
As the new fare structure takes effect, Lagosians brace for the impact, hoping for possible interventions to ease the financial burden.
