Lagos Explains Why Burnt BRT Buses Have Not Been Replaced

(Burnt BRT buses during #EndSARS. Photo credit: TheCable)
Lagos State's government has explained why it has not yet replaced the buses that were destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.

The problem, according to the state's Deputy Governor, is that buses have become much more expensive to buy.

When the state originally purchased the BRT buses, each one cost around N80 million.

Today, a single bus costs approximately N280 million.

This huge jump in price has made it very difficult for the state to afford replacing all the buses that were burnt during the unrest.

The Deputy Governor also pointed out that some of the older buses in the fleet are already seven or eight years old and need to be taken out of service anyway.

The state had planned for these replacements, but without the money to buy new buses at current prices, there is now a shortage of BRT vehicles available for commuters.

To address this problem, the state is looking to private bus operators to help fill the gap.

The government believes that private companies can buy and deploy buses faster than the government can.

The state plans to offer subsidies to help keep fares affordable for passengers while private operators handle the day-to-day management.

The Deputy Governor argued that private companies are more nimble and efficient at running bus services than the government can be.

In addition to buses, the state is expanding other forms of transportation. Ferry services are being increased, and the rail system is improving as well.

Officials say that combining all these transportation options together will eventually provide better mobility for people across Lagos.