Sanwo-Olu set to end Diesel, Petrol fuel BRT
…Set to introduce electric vehicles
Governor of Lagos State, Baba jide Sanwo-Olu has made it known that he plans to to bid farewell to the use of petrol and diesel Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the state, as it embarks on statewide installations of electric vehicle charging equipment, including universal chargers in strategic public places including malls and petrol stations.
He revealed this in a statement acknowledging the roll-out of electric mass transit buses through a partnership with Oando Clean Energy Limited and manufactured by Yutong.
It was gathered that the move was part of the strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of over seven million public transport commuters and to showcase the possibility and viability of a sustainable transportation system in Nigeria using Lagos as a model for other states.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “We announce the receipt of the first set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan, as part of our increased effort to modernise every sector of Lagos.”
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the test-running of the first set of Electric buses is just the beginning of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to transform the state into an even smarter city. He noted that the Government is committed to increasing the fleet of electric vehicles, and further modernising the Lagos transportation system.
He said, “Lagosians can expect a cleaner and greener public transportation system, with the ability to travel 280km at full charge, taking into account our unique travel times in Lagos. Our electric buses are a game-changer.
He continued, “Our new electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also increase efficiency. This means that Lagosians can say goodbye to high fuel costs and hello to cost-efficient transportation. We shall be running a pilot scheme over the next few months to gather sufficient data required to analyse the operational efficiencies relative to the current BRT buses to further improve our public transport service.
“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Lagos. We understand the need for charging stations to power our electric buses, which is why we are partnering with Oando Clean Energy Limited to strategically place Universal Chargers at public places like malls and gas stations. We also plan to establish an Assembly Plant for Electric Buses in the near future.”
The Governor, therefore, charged Lagosians and public transport commuters who are doubtful over the durability of the buses and have concerns over the lack of charging infrastructure, that the buses will function well in transit.
Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC, Mr Wale Tinubu, said that the delivery of the buses to the Lagos State Government was a strategy to showcase the possibility and viability of a sustainable transportation system in Nigeria using Lagos as a model for other states.
He further said that “the commencement of this project gives us a platform to showcase to other states what is possible and opens the door for engagements on bespoke solutions to suit their local needs.”
