Lagos needs 15,000 buses to solve transport shortages – LAMATA

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has stressed the urgent need for 15,000 regulated public transit buses to tackle the persistent commuter bus shortages across the state.

At present, the operational fleet comprises just over 1,000 buses, falling significantly short of the number required for an efficient and well-functioning transport system in Nigeria’s most populous city.

LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, made this known during a visit from the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) on Wednesday. The discussion centred on the worsening challenges of overcrowding and prolonged waiting times at bus stations.

According to Akinajo, the current fleet size has had a severe impact on commuters, creating inefficiencies in the public transit network.

“We recognise the shortfall in available buses, which has contributed to congestion and increased waiting periods. However, we are collaborating with private sector partners to expand the fleet, and we anticipate the arrival of 500 CNG buses and 50 electric vehicles before the end of the year,” Akinajo stated.

While the introduction of these new buses marks a significant step towards improving the situation, research indicates that Lagos requires approximately 15,000 buses to adequately serve its population, which exceeds 20 million residents.

The planned deployment of CNG and electric vehicles aligns with the Lagos State government’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

Beyond these measures, the government has also implemented initiatives such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. However, this alone has proven insufficient in meeting the city’s ever-growing transportation needs.

The PCC delegation, led by Commissioner Hafeez Odunewu, expressed satisfaction with the discussions, reaffirming their commitment to advocating for enhancements in public transport.

The chronic shortage of buses in Lagos has been a longstanding challenge. With sustained efforts to expand the fleet, the state government aims to make substantial improvements to mobility and ease the daily struggles of commuters.