The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has slashed bus and rail transport fares by 25% for services run by government.
The Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, made this known in a statement on its X page, formally twitter on Monday.
In a move that resonated with compassion and a keen understanding of the challenges faced by commuters, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, unveiled a heartwarming gesture that instantly lightened the burden on the shoulders of the people.
A 25% fare reduction on state-regulated bus and rail transport, announced by the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority , LAMATA , set the stage for a wave of relief on a Monday that would not soon be forgotten.
The statement from LAMATA, affectionately titled ‘Lagos approves 25% fare rebate for regulated bus and rail transport,’ carried with it the promise of a brighter commute. Kolawole Ojelabi, the Head of Corporate Communication for LAMATA, penned the document that bore the good news.
“Responding to calls for the reinstatement of the 50% rebate on fare for regulated bus and rail transport, Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the implementation of a 25 percent discount beginning Tuesday, 7th November 2023.”
This compassionate act came as a sequel to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s announcement on 2nd August 2023, where a 50% fare reduction had been granted to alleviate the financial strain on commuters. However, that discount had run its course, concluding on a somber note on a Sunday, leaving many dreading the return to full fares.
But the people’s appeals were heard, and their governor responded with empathy. The 25% fare reduction was extended across the regulated bus and rail transport services until further notice, a glimmer of hope for many who had braced themselves for rising costs.
The backdrop to this gesture was the alarming surge in diesel prices, soaring from N867 in August to a staggering N1,300 in November 2023, marking a 50% increase in just three months.
This remarkable spike in fuel costs had the potential to shatter the everyday lives of the people, but Governor Sanwo-Olu’s decision to maintain a discounted fare brought warmth to a city that sorely needed it.
LAMATA’s earlier announcement, stating the discontinuation of the 50% discount on public transportation facilities to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, had stirred concerns.
However, this new revelation served as a soothing balm to the citizens. The message urged everyone to prepare for the return of regular transit fare rates, reminiscent of the times before the August adjustment, but for now, the people could breathe a little easier, thanks to their compassionate leader.
The agency further asked citizens to be aware of the change and to make the appropriate preparations for the return of regular transit fare rates that were in place prior to the August adjustment.
Crediblenews.ng
