The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that the 25% fare rebate on regulated public transport services will come to an end on Sunday, June 2, 2024.
This announcement was made via an official statement on LAMATA’s X handle, under the title “Public Notice: Public Transport Fare Reverts to Original Rates From June 3, 2024.”
“From June 3, fares on all regulated transport services in the state will return to the original 100 per cent,” LAMATA confirmed in their announcement.
The fare rebate, initially a 50% reduction, was implemented on July 31, 2023, to alleviate the economic impact of the removal of fuel subsidies.
On February 23, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced an additional 25% rebate, extending the relief period by another six months.
“The rebate in regulated public transport system fares has resulted in the state government expending significant efforts and resources in transport subsidies to ease the pains associated with the removal of fuel subsidies effected last year May,” the LAMATA statement elaborated.
Goevernment officials had said that the decision was aimed at easing the financial burden on commuters during the challenging transition period following the fuel subsidy removal.
This policy change led to increased transportation costs, prompting the Lagos State Government to provide financial relief for its residents.
Over the past months, the fare reductions have offered much-needed respite for daily commuters in the bustling metropolis.
However, with the subsidy period coming to an end, LAMATA’s announcement signifies a return to the pre-rebate fare structure.
This change is expected to have significant implications for the daily lives of Lagosians, many of whom rely heavily on public transportation for their commutes.
“While the fare rebate has undoubtedly provided relief, the state’s capacity to sustain such subsidies indefinitely is limited,” a LAMATA official commented.
“The return to original fare rates is a necessary step towards balancing our budget and ensuring the continued provision of quality transport services.”
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the public. Many commuters express concern over the increased financial burden, particularly given the already high cost of living in Lagos.
Olayinka Kazeem, who described himself as a customer on X.com, urged the government not to revert to the old fares, “Things have not gotten better since then. Don’t increase the price for now! Government efforts to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, PHCN tariff increase, increase in cost of food, inflation, prices of building materials..is yet to materialise.”
Another tweep, Opeoluwa Adesanoye, wrote: “This is very insensitive I must say! What has really changed that you are adjusting the far again! What is LASG really doing to make the lives of it’s citizens easier!”
Ajayi David who tweets as AjayiDavid0811, said, “This is so unfair. Nothing has improved. The red line hasn’t started operations and now 25% removed. What’s really going on. Honestly, I don’t blame Nigerians leaving the country. Too many political instabilities. Men leaving as gods… #QuiteUnfortunate.”
However, LAMATA has assured the public that despite the fare increase, the focus remains on improving the efficiency and quality of transport services across Lagos State.
