Palliatives: Sanwo-olu Slashes Bus Fares by 50 Percent

By Juliet Agoyi

The Lagos State Government has slashed the cost of transportation on all its transport systems by 50 per cent as a palliative measure to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this after the monthly security meeting of the state, said the policy would take effect on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu also said that arrangements had been made with various transport unions to give a 25 per cent discount as well. He said his government would be proactive to make life bearable for the residents of Lagos state.

“Immediately from Wednesday, all public transportation that is being controlled by LAMATA, including high-capacity buses, will be plying all the routes of Lagos with a 50 percent discount.”

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“All commuters plying on the roads will start enjoying a 50 percent rebate on current transport fares being charged by all of these buses. This will start on Wednesday.

“It cannot start tomorrow because they need to do a lot of configuration and validation so that it can happen on Wednesday. That decision has been taken and communicated to them, Sanwo-Olu added”.

He said the state government would roll out the palliatives, including the distribution of foodstuff to the vulnerable to ease the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

The governor said: “In response to the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, I’m introducing a series of measures for economic and humanitarian relief.”

“Recognising the importance of affordable healthcare, I am directing our General Hospitals to offer free ante-natal services and delivery; normal and C-section services.

“This is ensuring the health of our families are taken care of without worrying about financial constraints,” he added.