The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an 18% increase in bus fares under its Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) scheme, citing rising operational costs as the primary reason for the hike. The new fare structure will take effect on February 17, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, LAMATA explained that the adjustment was crucial to ensure the continued availability of bus services for Lagos commuters.
“The fare rise 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, urging passengers for their “understanding and cooperation.”
This increase comes after a previous fare adjustment in June 2022, when fares were raised by N100 due to the soaring cost of diesel and a shortage of spare parts for the buses.
Fola Tinubu, managing director of Primero Transport Services Limited, one of the operators under the Lagos BRT scheme, also shared his company’s plans to convert buses to compressed natural gas (CNG) in a bid to cut costs.
However, Tinubu emphasized that the move would not lead to a reduction in fares, as the company remains focused on maintaining profitability.