The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has announced an 18% increase in fares for the Bus Rapid Transit system, effective next week.
A notice issued by LAMATA on Thursday cited rising operational costs as the reason for the adjustment, emphasizing the need to maintain bus services across the state.
“Please be informed that there will be an 18 percent increase in the bus fare on all Bus Reform Initiative schemes,” the statement read.
“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 agency also appealed to commuters for their “understanding and cooperation” in light of the fare hike
This development follows the Lagos State Government’s decision in November 2023 to discontinue the 50% discount on BRT fares.
At the time, LAMATA confirmed the return to pre-August 2, 2023, pricing, stating, “The 50% rebate in transport fare in the regulated transport system in Lagos ends on Sunday. From Monday, November 6, 2023, transport fare will return to the pre-2nd August 2023 rate.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had initially introduced a 25% reduction in transport fares in July 2023 to mitigate the effects of the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies. As part of these relief measures, he also announced plans to expand the state’s fleet of staff buses for public service workers.
“The buses are ready and will be deployed through the office of the Head of Service of the state,” Sanwo-Olu stated at the time.
