Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday launched the First and Last Mile Bus (FLM) Scheme as an alternative to Okada.
The buses are expected to ply the inner routes in the six local governments and nine local council development areas where Okada have been banned.
The governor, however, said the total ban on Okada might not be enforced until another two months to give people enough time to get their cowry cards, gauge their response to the scheme and measure the scheme’s effectiveness.
Three hundred of the 2,000 buses expected in the first phase were unveiled. Five thousand buses are expected in total.
Another 100 high capacity buses were also unveiled by the governor. He described the initiatives as part of measures to address insecurity and provide Lagosians with safe, affordable and resilient commuting options.
Sanwo-Olu said the initiatives were part of efforts to achieve a fully integrated inter-modal transport system.
He said his administration was working to fulfil its campaign promises to the people.
Said he: “Closely affiliated to the bus reform initiative are our robust rail and water travel transportation projects, which are also gathering pace. I am pleased to note that we are getting set to inaugurate six ferries into our operational fleet, in addition to the construction and rehabilitation of 15 jetties across the state. Two of our intra-city light rail lines will also become operational by the fourth quarter of 2022.
“This fleet of new mini buses is the newest component of our transformational bus reform initiative, also known as the First and Last Mile Bus Scheme. The FLM has been conceived to take care of commuting between the main transit corridors and the hearts of our communities, where the bulk of our people reside, and where the high capacity buses will normally not ply. It is intended to connect communities with one another.
“This launch is an important milestone in our quest to achieving the intermodal transport system, which gives our population the choices they deserve, reducing congestion and journey times, and improving the quality of life. It is also about improving and guaranteeing the security of lives and property of Lagosians.”
Transportation Commissioner Fredric Oladeinde said the FLM launch was to reiterate the state’s commitment to develop an integrated multi-modal transport system that is safe, comfortable and supports the people’s economic prosperity.
Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Abimbola Akinajo described the FLM scheme as part of the Bus Reform Initiative conceived to develop a coherent, formalised and regulated transport system and network in the state.
Managing Director of the Lagos Bus Services Limited (LSBL) Idowu Oguntona noted that several people were employed through the accredited LBSL Driving School as the school produced 1,969 and 334 certified high-capacity bus drivers in 2019 and 2020.